ABSTRACT
Developing interviewing skills as a means of gathering information is important component of the art of the interview: learning how to approach a person they have never met before, establish rapport, ask intelligent and pertinent questions, and to come away with material for stories. Interviews do not have a “standard” form, this chapter points out, but rather depend on the subject, the circumstances of the story, and the objectives for the interviews being conducted. Discussion topics include: the characteristics of a good interviewer; differing kinds of interviews and subjects; a comparison of print and broadcast interviews; the importance of pre-interview preparation; choosing interview subjects and new sources; dealing with reluctant or difficult subjects; composing interview questions; and, tips for conducting a successful interview. The chapter concludes by observing that interviewing is an art, a skill developed with practice, but when you do, you’ll be amazed at what people will tell you if only you ask.
