Interviewing Skills for the Article Writer

Interviewing can produce a treasure trove of information and quotes that help create a deep, well-rounded article. It also can be something that an aspiring writer finds difficult to approach. Researching in books or magazines is so much more comfortable than sitting across a desk interviewing someone you don't know and whose time you're taking up. The written page is always available, won't ever get angry with you, isn't intimidating, and can be delved into at your leisure. What it does is allow you to settle into a neat little comfort zone. And that's not what you need to do.

First and foremost, you need to understand that most people like to be interviewed. Let's face it, many of us find pleasure in being the center of attention and that's what an interview does. You'd be surprised at how people enjoy sharing their expertise. And even if you happen to strike a nerve with a question, most people are very nice to let you know they'd rather not go there. Getting an interview is usually as easy as a phone call. And if someone doesn't want to be interviewed, you can always ask if anyone else is available. Just be sure to explain exactly what the interview is for and where it will be published if you've had a positive reply to a query. And, of course, be courteous.

Suppose you've got the go ahead for an interview. What now? Well, that old boy scout maxim, "Be Prepared", is the best advice. Research the topic. The idea is to go into the interview asking only questions the interviewee wouldn't expect you to already know. If you ask a cement- maker what goes into cement, he's going to feel his time is being wasted. It also starts the interview off on a boring note. Your questions need to be pertinent and interesting. Remember, you need to draw the interviewee into the interview the way you'd want a reader drawn into your article. That person before you wants to feel he's handing over something special which makes him feel special.

So spend time on your questions. Put them in a sequence that seems logical to you but be ready to go off on a different tack if the answers necessitate it. Intersperse detailed questions with easier ones to keep things varied. Think of how movies or plays intersperse lighter scenes with heavier ones. Keep your questions short and eliminate any that elicit a yes or no answer. Start with questions that help make the interviewee comfortable. It'll probably do the same for you. And remember, good questions can yield that all important lead. Always be on the lookout for that, anyway. Going into the interview with a good idea of what your article is about will make that lead jump out at you.

Naturally, be on time. Jot down anything about the environment of the person you're interviewing that might help the story and flesh out the person. In the person's office look around for clues to his or her personality, even things to ask questions about, i.e. a sailing trophy, awards, photos. You can ask about these types of things anyway (a hobby can more fully define a person or provide a side of the person you never thought about). This of course is important in a profile where you want to know what makes the person tick as well as what he does. If the interview is being done over the phone, be sure to tell the interviewee if you're taping the conversation. In an office, ask if it's all right to do so.

Always be professional. Remember, you're not the center of attention here. Be careful with humor. You're not the person's friend and it's difficult to gauge how far you can go. Humor to you can be an indictment of their beliefs. Keep your questioning conversational, but remember you're not chatting over drinks. You need to be thinking about your next question. Still, be an active listener. This makes the person feel you're interested in what they're saying and allows you to pick up clues to delve into potential gems. And know when to be quiet. A pause by the interviewee doesn't mean it's an opening for your next question. You may be able to see they're thinking about something you've asked and you want them to have time to finish.

Check off any questions you feel haven't been answered properly and come back to them. Don't be afraid to let the interviewee know you don't understand something. By explaining it again you may get something easier for your reader.

Get accurate quotes. Don't change what the person has said to fit your article and don't fix a quote if it changes the meaning. By the same token, don't quote someone in a manner that will cause embarrassment such as if they had unintentionally mixed up words. Be sure to get personal facts correct. People can get upset if something as simple as their high school name is incorrect.

At the end of the interview it's usually a good idea to ask if there's anything you might have forgotten to bring up that would be important to the article. Sometimes here you can get the key to what the person or their work is all about. And be sure to ask if it would be all right to call back if you have additional questions or need to verify answers.

Interviewing is an art and like art you use things others have learned and you tap your own imagination. You'll discover your own ways to get answers. But getting those answers through interviews is something you can't do without. You can find out all about a battle in books but that will never beat the words of someone who was there.