Interviewing Tactics& Considerations

Dr. Jason Hutchens

Factors to Consider• Distribution?– Text (Web/Print)– Audio– Video–Multimedia

• Audience?– General Public

• Age, cultural background, gender, profession, political affiliation, etc.

– Academic

General Preparation• Research– Learn about person or subject ahead of time– Improves your credibility– (if recording for presentation) contact

interviewee ahead of time to conduct ‘pre-interview’

• Prepare a list of questions– Use as a guide during interview (be flexible)

• Use small talk at start of interview• Let interviewee know what to expect when

you arrive to conduct interview

Prepping the Interviewee• Video interviews:– Advise them on what

to wear– Solid white/black are

bad for cheap cameras – Thin horizontal lines in

clothing are bad

• Do you need B-roll? (video)– Plan what shots you’ll

need prior to interview

Types of Questions• Ask open-ended questions:

– Who, what, when, where, why, how…

• Questions that elicit one-word responses should be used sparingly– Can use to corral line of questioning (aggressive tactic)

• Leading questions:– “You really hate the new tenure and promotion policies,

don’t you?”– Use sparingly (if at all)

• Silence as a question– We all use silence in classrooms to elicit responses from

quiet groups – this works during interviews as well

Text Output (print/web)• Notetaking– Don’t have to record– Reporter’s notebook– Setting: quiet place

where interviewee is comfortable

• Throw-away questions– Good when trying to

keep up with interviewee

Recorded Interviews (A/V)• Maintain eye contact as much as possible

– Practice taking notes without looking at recording device

• Smile• Don’t make sounds while interviewee is

responding– Use nonverbal affirmations

• Noisy jewelry/clothing?• Pause slightly between questions– Necessary for editing content

Video• Position yourself near camera to

avoid side profile of subject• Determine when planning project if

interviewees will be addressing camera or talking to off-camera interviewer– Be consistent

Recording Tools