Interviews

Definition

Interviews are structured conversations where one person asks questions to gather information, insights, or opinions from another. They are crucial in journalism as they provide primary source material that can deepen understanding of a story and reveal personal narratives that engage readers. The quality and depth of interviews can significantly shape the final narrative, making them essential in developing story ideas, conducting thorough research, and adapting narrative techniques for various media formats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviews can be conducted in various formats including face-to-face, over the phone, or through video conferencing, depending on the context and logistics.
2. Effective interviewing requires preparation such as researching the subject beforehand and crafting thoughtful questions that encourage detailed responses.
3. Listening is as important as asking questions; active listening helps the interviewer pick up on cues and ask relevant follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.
4. The ethical considerations in interviews include obtaining informed consent and being respectful of the interviewee's boundaries and privacy.
5. Interviews can vary in style from formal to informal, with each style impacting how information is shared and perceived by the audience.

Review Questions

• How do interviews serve as a primary source in storytelling?
  • Interviews act as a primary source by providing firsthand accounts and insights directly from individuals who have experienced or witnessed events relevant to the story. This firsthand information enriches the narrative by offering personal perspectives that cannot be found through secondary sources. By incorporating interviews, journalists can add authenticity and depth to their storytelling, making the narrative more relatable and engaging for readers.
• What strategies should a journalist use to conduct effective interviews that enhance their story development?
  • To conduct effective interviews, journalists should employ strategies such as thorough preparation by researching their subjects and formulating open-ended questions that invite elaboration. Additionally, using active listening skills allows journalists to adapt their questions based on the interviewee's responses. Building rapport with the interviewee can also help create a comfortable environment, encouraging them to share more personal stories that could enhance the narrative's richness.
• Evaluate how the adaptation of interviews for different media formats influences narrative presentation.
  • Adapting interviews for different media formats influences narrative presentation by determining how information is framed and shared with audiences. For example, a podcast may focus on audio quality and storytelling techniques to convey emotions effectively, while a written article might prioritize quotes and textual flow. Visual media may utilize video clips to enhance engagement but could require editing down responses for brevity. Each format shapes the audience's experience differently, showcasing the importance of tailoring content to fit the medium while maintaining the core message conveyed through the interview.

Related terms

Source: A person or document that provides information for a story, either as a primary source (direct testimony) or secondary source (interpretation of primary data).

Questioning Techniques: Strategies used to elicit detailed and meaningful responses during an interview, such as open-ended questions, follow-up inquiries, and active listening.

Narrative Structure: The organized way in which a story is told, including elements like plot, character development, and thematic progression.