Interviewing Notes

[Where to begin...?]
Choose 3 interviewees
Schedule interviews (24+ hours)
Give a "heads up" to interviewees
Conduct background research
Write interview questions (10-15)


[Why prepare questions?]
Its your job!
1st impressions
Nervous; unexpected circumstances.
Higher quality questions.
Preperations is a guide, not a limitation.


[Holy Trinity of Interviewing]
ANECDOTE:
A brief story told by the interviewee.
Usually paraphrased by writer.
Entertaining.
Paints a picture for the reader.
REVEALING QUOTE:
Said by the interviewee.
Gives readers insight to personality.
Unique to the interviewee.
PROTRAITURE:
Description created by writer.
Based on observations of interviewee.
Descriptions is relevant to topic.



[Preperation Payoff]
Varying types for various purposes.
To relax, gain trust, show genuine interest.
Interviewees who trust you will talk and talk and talk...


[Types of Questions]
1. Opener: Begining question/remark; establish a rapport.
2. First Step: Ask about the.
3. Qualifier: Find out if the source is qualified. (If not, ask if they can direct you to the right person)
4. Routine Factual: Who, what, why, where, when, & how.
5. Numerical: Statistical inforamation.
6. G-O-S-S-E-Y: A way to ask deeper questions; goals, obstacles, solutions, start, evaluation, why.
7. Responder: Clarification.
8. Soliciting a quote: A specific question.
9. Soliciting a anecdote: Prompts a short story.
10. Imaginative: Strays from the routine.
11. Grenade: Difficult questions. (Recover from the grenade: end with a neutral question)

[Concluding the Interview]
"Thank you..."
Sign documentation sheet.
Further questions...

[BEWARE]
Not everyone is a great interviewee.
Plan ahead... unforseen circumstances.