Interviewing Essentials

Conducting interviews can be challenging! Practice and preparation are the keys to success. Calling sources and potential interview subjects for pre-interviews is just part of the process. Learn the characteristics of good interviewing, effective sources and how to gather important perspectives from public officials and voters using these resources.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: In this time of responsible social distancing, reporting can continue, but in ways that protect student journalists, sources and society at large.

Face to face conversations outside your immediate circle should be replaced with virtual interviews. For decades news organizations have done “remotes” in separate locations with separate cameras. Think of all the YouTube and social media videos of people talking through screens. SRL team members are currently working on a one pager on how to produce remote interviews with FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or other virtual communication platforms. Stay tuned.

IF YOU DECIDE TO INTERVIEW SOMEONE IN PERSON, FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND COMMUNICATE YOUR PLANS WITH THE ADULTS IN YOUR LIFE.

Social distancing outside your immediate circle requires:

• Filming outdoors

• Maintaining 6 feet of separation at all times

• Not shaking hands with sources

• Sanitizing shared cameras, lavalier microphones

Visit SPLC for more on best practices for covering the coronavirus pandemic.