Fine Tuning Your Interviewing Techniques
I understand that the concept of actually calling and interviewing experts and authorities for your articles may seem a bit daunting at the beginning of your writing career. You would certainly not be the first person to wonder whether they are capable of this task.
My answer to you is that you most certainly are capable.
A future article will look at the specifics of interviewing in detail and cover the following issues:
Interviewing Techniques - Seek out authoritative opinion
You will be surprised by how many people - those who can provide authoritative opinions - will be willing to provide an interview to a freelance journalist who is just starting out.
They say that time is money, but you should also understand that most people are willing to offer their ideas for free, and because of that, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of experts that will take the time for a five minute phone interview, or to answer a few questions via email, on a subject that is close to their hearts.
While I can't explain the process of how to arrange and conduct interviews in one short article, I would like to impart a few important points that will help you on the way.
Interviewing Techniques - Research your interviewee
Before you start asking questions of someone, be sure about who they are, what they do and what you want from them. Conducting an interview without knowing this could be a waste of your time and the subject's.
Interviewing Techniques - How to write questions
As you research your subject and the topic of the interview, questions will present themselves. Be sure to write them all down as they come to you. If you understand your brief and have decided on the angle of your story, you will know what the aim of your interview is and where you want it to go. Think of your questions as a means for getting there.
Interviewing Techniques - Approaching the subject
Whether you are approaching someone for an interview by phone or email, there are a few basic rules of etiquette to follow; starting with introducing yourself and the publication you're writing for. If you don't have a 'commission' from a magazine to write the piece, simply explain that you are a freelance journalist/writer, and outline where you hope to have the article published.
Then, as succinctly as possible, you should explain what you would like to interview them about, what the story will be about, what your deadline is, and when you need the interview done by.
Do not be self-conscious about asking people to be interviewed, as you'll be surprised by how willing most are to participate. As a writer, you are perceived to have power over people's thoughts and actions, so many find it flattering that you are approaching them for comments and think their opinions are worth publishing.
It is often in people's best interests to do interviews. Many consider them good opportunities to raise their profile or give their side of a story - either way. Be confident in your approach and expect your interview request to be taken seriously.
If a subject is hesitant about being interviewed, you may need to further explain the context of their comments to allay concerns that you are 'out to get them' or 'stitch them up'. Assure them you are only interested in presenting all the sides of the story in a reasoned and intelligent manner. Above all, never lie about what their role in the story will be and make sure they know how important it is that they appear.
Interviewing Techniques - Photos
We should point out that, unless you can take photos yourself, then you should not worry too much about arranging pictures from a third party source.
Simply taking photos from the Internet or another place can be a breach of copyright, and buying them from a photographer yourself to on-sell to a magazine is not an efficient use of your time as a writer.
If you have a passion for photography you will find it a fabulous skill to further your writing career. If you do not, then you can still enjoy great success as a writer regardless.
Fraser is a Freelance Journalist, Author and CEO of Pro-Content
Australia - providing professional online & offline content writing
services worldwide.
I understand that the concept of actually calling and interviewing experts and authorities for your articles may seem a bit daunting at the beginning of your writing career. You would certainly not be the first person to wonder whether they are capable of this task.
My answer to you is that you most certainly are capable.
A future article will look at the specifics of interviewing in detail and cover the following issues:
- How to arrange interviews
- The types of interviews you can conduct
- How to write questions
- How to direct an interview
- How to use quotes
- Techniques for getting the best out of interviewees
Interviewing Techniques - Seek out authoritative opinion
You will be surprised by how many people - those who can provide authoritative opinions - will be willing to provide an interview to a freelance journalist who is just starting out.
They say that time is money, but you should also understand that most people are willing to offer their ideas for free, and because of that, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of experts that will take the time for a five minute phone interview, or to answer a few questions via email, on a subject that is close to their hearts.
While I can't explain the process of how to arrange and conduct interviews in one short article, I would like to impart a few important points that will help you on the way.
Interviewing Techniques - Research your interviewee
Before you start asking questions of someone, be sure about who they are, what they do and what you want from them. Conducting an interview without knowing this could be a waste of your time and the subject's.
Interviewing Techniques - How to write questions
As you research your subject and the topic of the interview, questions will present themselves. Be sure to write them all down as they come to you. If you understand your brief and have decided on the angle of your story, you will know what the aim of your interview is and where you want it to go. Think of your questions as a means for getting there.
Interviewing Techniques - Approaching the subject
Whether you are approaching someone for an interview by phone or email, there are a few basic rules of etiquette to follow; starting with introducing yourself and the publication you're writing for. If you don't have a 'commission' from a magazine to write the piece, simply explain that you are a freelance journalist/writer, and outline where you hope to have the article published.
Then, as succinctly as possible, you should explain what you would like to interview them about, what the story will be about, what your deadline is, and when you need the interview done by.
Do not be self-conscious about asking people to be interviewed, as you'll be surprised by how willing most are to participate. As a writer, you are perceived to have power over people's thoughts and actions, so many find it flattering that you are approaching them for comments and think their opinions are worth publishing.
It is often in people's best interests to do interviews. Many consider them good opportunities to raise their profile or give their side of a story - either way. Be confident in your approach and expect your interview request to be taken seriously.
If a subject is hesitant about being interviewed, you may need to further explain the context of their comments to allay concerns that you are 'out to get them' or 'stitch them up'. Assure them you are only interested in presenting all the sides of the story in a reasoned and intelligent manner. Above all, never lie about what their role in the story will be and make sure they know how important it is that they appear.
Interviewing Techniques - Photos
We should point out that, unless you can take photos yourself, then you should not worry too much about arranging pictures from a third party source.
Simply taking photos from the Internet or another place can be a breach of copyright, and buying them from a photographer yourself to on-sell to a magazine is not an efficient use of your time as a writer.
If you have a passion for photography you will find it a fabulous skill to further your writing career. If you do not, then you can still enjoy great success as a writer regardless.
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