Tips for Conducting a Good Interview

The following list was written for conducting video interviews on community television, but can be helpful to all story tellers and reporters.

Poor shot (profile) versus Good shot
MISCELLANEOUS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Learn about your subject.
Remain flexible during your interview.
Be yourself.
Be animated.
Let the talent go where he or she wants.
Pay attention to their emotions as the story unfolds.
When you see new information appear that deserves attention, shift gears and refocus your questions on the heart of the story.
Know your role in the crew. Sometimes you have a host or crew member who wants to direct the production, telling people where to shoot and how to do their job. Find gentle ways to give criticism.

What happened?

What was your involvement? Why?
What doubts arose?
What mistakes did you make that might have changed direction?
What approach did you take to help and why?
What have you learned that others might not know about this issue?
What weaknesses in others affected the outcome and how?
What strengths in others made a difference and how?
What would you have done differently? Why?
What effects did the outcome have on the lives of others?
What happens next?
What problems remain
What new problems arose?

When? (through storytelling)

Can you tell us a story about the history of this issue or event?
Do you have a story about the people involved?
Can you tell us about previous encounters you had with this issue?
When did this issue begin and when will it end?

Where?

Where is this place or event located in the state and what’s the country like?
Why is this place special? Do you have an emotional connection? Explain why.
Where is this place or event located relative to other important features nearby?
Where was the (pollution) coming from and why?
Where was it headed for and with what impact?
Where did you come from to get here and where do you return to when you leave?
Where did you work before you came here and where might you go next?

Why did you do this?

Why did you get involved in this issue?
Why did you use the method?
Why didn’t you use a less or more risky method?
Why did you pass on getting more involved?
Why didn’t you wait longer before getting involved?
Why did you wait so long before getting involved?
Why did you wait so long before giving up?

Who?
Who was with you when this event happened?

Who else was involved with you?
Who else has faced this challenge before you?
Who helped contribute to your success and how?
Who can you blame for messing things up?
Who is your opposition and why?

How – details of the story

How does this event or issue affect the quality of your life or that of others?
How does this issue or event compare to similar ones in your life?
How did it make you feel when realized your role in this event?
How do you feel at the end of the day working on this issue/event?
How do you think others see you as a professional?
How do you see yourself?
How do you want others to see you as a professional?