Approach vital in interviews

The process of interviewing is vital to any good story. However, many journalists make major mistakes in their approach to the interview subject and during the interview.

Here are some tips to help you do the interview correctly:

• THE MISTAKE IS IN NOT APPROACHING.
  It's important to approach, but do it respectfully. (Think how you would be wanted to be treated if you were being interviewed.)
  
  
• CLEARLY IDENTIFY YOURSELF AND DO IT POLITELY.
  "Hi or hello, I'm Joe Hight with The Oklahoman. Could I please have a few minutes of your time or could you please answer some questions." Or, explain that you're doing a profile or feature story on the subject. If you're using a tape recorder, tell the subject that you're using one to ensure the accuracy of the person's statements. (In an interview with a victim, you can say that you're sorry, but never say "I understand" or "I know how you're feeling.")
  
  
• BE CONFIDENT BUT NOT COCKY.
  This means that you should be confident in what you're asking -- because you prepared beforehand -- but not arrogant or overbearing. (In the case of victims, you don't want to do any more harm than what the person has already endured. Your treatment will leave an impression -- sometimes for life.)
  
  
• A HARSH REACTION.
  If you receive a harsh reaction: (This could especially occur if you are interviewing victims.) Don't react harshly. Simply explain what you're doing and why you're asking the questions. (Example: I want to hear your side of this story so I can be fair to you.) If you continue to receive a harsh reaction, simply give your identification card to the person and calmly ask for a return call later.
  
  
• TALK FIRST, THEN ASK LATER.
  Talk to the person or ask easy questions first. Talk about the surroundings, the weather, etc. Don't start taking notes immediately. Unless you're in a time-pressure situation, don't ask the tough questions first. Put your interview subjects at ease so they'll be able answer the tougher questions later.
  
  
• SURROUNDINGS ARE IMPORTANT.
  If you're at an office or home, look around and ask about a picture or item that you see. If you can, relate to the person's experience.
  
  
• LISTEN. LISTEN. LISTEN.
  Once you ask the questions, let the person talk. Even silent pauses can sometimes be useful because the interview subject is pondering a better response.
  
  
• BE PREPARED TO ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:
  Preparation is vital for any interview, but always be flexible in asking your questions so that you can follow with a question if you receive a "yes" or "no" response. Sometimes a simple "Why did you respond that way?" or "Could you please explain your answer?" will give you a proper response.