Part 2 of 4

CONDUCTING A STRONG INTERVIEW

The best insights often come straight from the source, making interviewing an essential part of any journalist’s process.

Sources open up best when they feel comfortable, Everett said. But an interview setting doesn’t always feel natural for sources. Working on air, Everett knows this to be especially true. The best way to combat any awkwardness? Authenticity is key, she says.

“It really goes back to being your authentic, genuine self. And then that makes the players open up a little bit more because they feel like they can trust you.”

Even though it’s important to keep it professional, having a sense of humor can also put interview subjects at ease, especially on camera. It’ll also strengthen the rapport between interview and interviewee.

“If I can just make somebody laugh a little bit before we go on air, then they kind of feel more comfortable, like they laughed out their nerves,” Everett said.

And while it’s important to prepare questions and topics ahead of time, be ready to adjust your angle based on where the interview takes you.

“Whether it's news or sports, if you're interviewing somebody for a story, make sure that you are really listening and don't be so tied to your outline or your bullet points that you don't allow yourself to stray from that,” Young said.

Goessling also emphasized the importance of active listening during interviews. Sources may drop bits of information that, when expanded on, could open up all kinds of new doors and possible angles.

“Sometimes people will leave you these breadcrumbs,” Goessling said.

“If this person is giving me a bit of a road map of where to go next, I need to listen to it and follow it. And after that, it gets fairly easy because you kind of just go where they lead you and you direct the conversation a little bit to get the questions answered.”