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Interviewing Skills: The Art of Uncovering the Story!
The yearbook isn't just about photos – it's about capturing the voices and experiences of our school community. That's where you, our future yearbook interviewers, come in! This section will equip you with the skills to conduct effective interviews that gather insightful information for captions and features.
Why Interviewing Matters:
Beyond the Facts: Interviews allow you to go beyond basic information and capture the personality, emotions, and unique perspective of your interviewee.
Captions Come Alive: A good interview can provide those perfect quotes that bring your captions to life and showcase the heart of your story.
Feature Foundations: Interviews are the backbone of compelling features. They allow you to delve deeper into a topic and share personal stories that connect with readers.
Mastering the Interview:
Preparation is Key: Before the interview, research your subject and prepare thoughtful questions that go beyond simple "yes or no" answers.
Be a Conversation Starter: Start with some warm-up questions to ease your interviewee into the conversation and create a comfortable atmosphere.
Active Listening: Pay close attention to what your interviewee is saying, ask follow-up questions, and show genuine interest in their story.
Be a Note-Taking Ninja: Take clear and concise notes during the interview. Capture key points, quotes, and any interesting anecdotes.
Respect the Interviewee's Time: Be mindful of their schedule and stick to the agreed-upon interview time.
Thank You! Always thank your interviewee for their time and let them know how their story will be used in the yearbook.
Beyond the Basics:
Record (with Permission!): If your interviewee allows it, consider recording the conversation. This can help you capture their exact words and ensure you don't miss any details.
Body Language Matters: Maintain good eye contact, nod occasionally, and use positive body language to show you're engaged in the conversation.
Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes, the most valuable information comes from unexpected answers or interesting tangents. Be flexible and follow where the conversation leads.
Become an Interviewing Pro!
By following these tips and practicing your skills, you'll transform from a nervous interviewer into a confident interviewer who can uncover the stories that make our yearbook truly special.
🗣️Assignment: Story Sleuth
Practice basic interviewing skills to gather information for a short feature.
The Challenge:
Choose Your Subject: Think of a classmate, teacher, or staff member who has an interesting story or accomplishment you'd like to highlight in the yearbook.
Prepare Your Questions: Develop 5-7 interview questions that go beyond basic facts and encourage your subject to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Warm-up Question (Example): What's something people might not know about your role at school?
In-depth Questions (Examples): What motivates you in your work/studies? What's been your biggest challenge/achievement this year? What advice would you give to younger students?
Deliverables:
Submit your list of 5-7 interview questions.
Briefly explain why these questions are effective in gathering information for a short feature.
Remember: The key to a good interview is asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to the answers. This challenge will help you develop the skills to uncover the stories that make our yearbook unique!
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