Before the Interview

"Everybody has a story to tell! It's your job to find it...and that's not just my opinion. That's a fact! So don't even try to argue with me."

– Amanda Fisher, Opinions Editor

Know the Subject

• Research the topic, to be familiar with the basics.
• Seek specific information.
• Expect your initial plan to change.
• List starting point questions. Then, email them to your interviewee so you're both prepared.You may not have to do this to interview students but you must do this for teachers and administrators.
• Be careful about the phrasing and tone of your questions.
• Construct open-ended questions, not "yes or no" questions.
• Be aware: some of your starting point questions should lead to follow-up questions.

Know the Person

• Research the interviewee's biographical information.
• Talk to people who know the interviewee.
• Do an internet search for background information.
• Be aware of the person's expertise.

Arrange the Interview

Time:

• Contact the person in several different ways: In-person, email or phone.
• Start with one of these to see if you get a response, but don't wait on one method of contact.
• If you don't get an email response, use your phone or stop by in person.
• Suggest general times, but ask what time works best for the interviewee.
• Be ready to predict how much time the interview might take.
• Discuss the possibility of a follow-up interview time.

Place:

• Suggest the interviewee choose a place in which he is comfortable.
• Suggest a neutral location for both of you.
• Dress appropriately for the interview setting.
• Ask if you may use a recording device.
• Let the interviewee know if you intend to bring a camera or photographer.

The Missouri Group. Telling the Story:The Convergence of Print, Broadcast and Online Media. Bedford St. Martin's. Boston:2010. 43-68.

Image reproduced with permission from Amanda Fisher.

Logo reproduced with permission from Liberty Public Schools.

Created by Lori Oyler, Adviser, loyler@liberty.k12.mo.us, July 22, 2011