A beginner's guide to getting the most out of talking to strangers. For journalism students and anyone who's interested in how to talk with people and come away with a story.
6. Make an appointment
• Do this as early as
possible
• Email is fine for an
initial inquiry
• If no response; then
call. If no answer, then
visit her office.
8. Bringing back the story
• To record or not to
record?
• What type of notebook
should you bring?
• Do you need to know
shorthand?
• Telephone interviews
– Ease of typing
– All the more reason to
be careful recording
11. Special considerations
• Direct quotes and indirect quotes
• Fragmentary quotes when necessary
– He said he would “go ballistic” if city officials tried
to shut down his business.
12. Special considerations
• Direct quotes and indirect quotes
• Fragmentary quotes when necessary
– He said he would “go ballistic” if city officials tried
to shut down his business.
• Off-the-record requests
– Try to keep everything on the record
– Ask what she means by “off the record”
– How to handle ex post facto requests
13. The magic questions
• Is there anything I
should have asked you
but didn’t?
• Who else do you think
should I talk to?
Notas del editor
1836 — James Gordon Bennett interviews Rosina Townsend, matron of a house of ill repute where an upscale prostitute known as Helen Jewett was murdered. Richard Robinson, 19, was tried and acquitted.
Students say this is what terrifies them the most. It’s perfectly natural to feel anxiety before an interview. I’m 58, and I still feel anxious before an interview, especially if it’s someone I haven’t sat down with before. And I have some scars and horror stories. But these tips should help you get through it.
Google. Wikipedia (external links especially). Biographical resources in the library. Newspaper archives.
Maybe three to five for a short interview, 10 to 12 if you think it’s going to go long. Listen. Always be prepared for the conversation to go off in a different direction.
Always fully identify yourself and explain what you are doing. Don’t just say, “I’m a Northeastern student. This is for class.” Tell the person your name. And if it’s going to be published on a class blog or website, let them know.
Explain what is meant by “a two-party state.”
How can you tell in your notebook what the person actually said and what’s a paraphrase?
Varieties of off-the-record — background, not for attribution, deep background, etc.