Interviewing sources is an essential part of the research process for journalists, academics, and other professionals. It allows you to gather information directly from the people who have knowledge or experience relevant to your topic and can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject you are investigating. However, conducting interviews can be a challenging task, and it is important to follow best practices to ensure that you get the most valuable information from your sources.
Prepare thoroughly: Before you conduct an interview, it is important to do your research and prepare a list of questions that you want to ask. Think about what information you are hoping to gain from the interview, and tailor your questions to elicit that information. Be sure to also research the background of your source, including their qualifications and experience, so that you can ask informed questions and understand the context of their answers.
Build rapport: Building a good relationship with your source is essential for getting valuable information from them. Start the interview by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the interview. Take time to chat with your source and get to know them before you begin asking questions. This will help to put them at ease and make them more willing to share their thoughts and experiences.
Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions, such as “Can you tell me about your experience with X?” are more likely to elicit detailed and informative answers than closed questions, such as “Did you experience X?”. This is because open-ended questions allow the source to provide their own perspective and insights, rather than being limited by the options presented in a closed question.
Listen actively: During the interview, it is important to listen actively to what your source is saying. This means paying attention to their words, body language, and tone of voice, and using that information to guide your follow-up questions. Avoid interrupting your source or finishing their sentences for them, as this can disrupt their train of thought and make them less willing to share information.
Be respectful and ethical: Remember that your source is a human being with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Treat them with respect and be sensitive to their needs and concerns. Respect their privacy and do not ask questions or share information that they are not comfortable with. In addition, make sure that you are following all ethical guidelines, such as obtaining informed consent before conducting the interview and ensuring that the source is not put in any danger as a result of their participation.
Take good notes: Taking detailed and accurate notes during the interview is essential for ensuring that you can later accurately transcribe, analyze, and report on the information you have gathered. Use a method that works for you, whether it be a digital voice recorder, written notes, or a combination of both. Be sure to note down not just the answers but also the context, the tone, and the nuances of the conversation.
Follow up: After the interview, be sure to follow up with your source if you have any additional questions or if you need clarification on any points. Also, thank your source for their time and let them know when and where their information will be used. If you are a journalist, it is also a good practice to fact-check the information provided by your source before publishing.
In conclusion, conducting interviews is an important tool for gathering information, but it can also be a challenging task. By following best practices such as preparing thoroughly, building rapport, asking open-ended questions, listening actively, being respectful and ethical, taking good notes, and following up, you can increase the chances of getting valuable information from your sources, and make the interview process more efficient and effective.
Some of the links featured in this article may be affiliate links and Journalism Unfiltered receives a small percentage of the sale through those links.
If you find value in the content we provide… please consider buying us a coffee. We would appreciate it, and it would help us expand our reach and allow us to grow.
