Interviewing: A guide for journalists and writers

by Gail Sedorkin

Good interviewing is the key to good reporting and great stories. It's a difficult skill to acquire and it can be stressful, but you can learn how to approach a total stranger and elicit information on a topic about which you know nothing.

In the second edition of this widely used guide, experienced journalist Gail Sedorkin shows you step by step how to manage the interview process. She explains how to prepare, and what to do when you don't have time to do any research. She outlines the difference between 'soft' and 'hard' interviews, how to use digital tools effectively, and how to make the most of any interview situation.

With tips and examples from leading journalists, and covering basic to advanced techniques, Interviewing is an essential guide for journalists, researchers and writers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Communication, Business, Journalism, Reference

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Pete Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishers Summary:
This practical guide to all aspects of interviewing for print and broadcast journalists demonstrates step-by-step how to manage the interview process, including how to prepare, what to do when you don't have time to prepare, the difference between ìsoftî and ìhardî interviews, and how to make the most out of any interview situation.


How I Heard About The Book...
Nothing more than a good old search of Amazon drink a being frenzy for books on interviewing; as I was trying to increase the value for listeners of our 'PreneurCast' podcast show.


Authors Background...
Gail Sedorkin, journalism lecturer at Deakin University, is the coauthor of Get Your Message Across. She has worked for regional newspapers and ABC Radio. Judy McGregor is professor and head of the department of communication and journalism at Massey University. She spent 20 years as a reporter and editor of the Independent Newspapers Limited Group, and was the first female editor of a major paper in Australia.


The Lesson/Argument in (About)Three Sentences...
I went to town on this books with the highlighter and post-it notes. Here are some of my favourite excerpts:

- The 'fact' interview usually concentrates on the Who, What, When and Where questions and is used for print news briefs and broadcast news stores, where space and time are limited. The interview for 'opinion' or 'comment' emphasises the Why and How questions, and is more commonly used in lover stories.
- Vox Pops: everyone who is interviews should be asked the same question; to canvass people's feelings about a persons' actions or a topical issue.
- There are times when you have to be brave enough to ask naïvely dumb questions without appearing completely stupid. Coax the subject of the interview to explain the background of a conflict, dispute or issues to that your audience will understand.
- Always be very clear on " what the point of the interview is"
-General Rule: DOn't supply questions in advance.
-Always research relevant icebreakers for the first few minutes of the interview (read their twitter or Facebook feeds)


Why Read It ...
If you're doing any type of interviewing, be it for a podcast like me, to gather information for a blog post or newsletter; knowing some of the industry skills will show through in for content.


Key Chapters ...
The three chapters with the most highlights for me where:
2. Research
4. Breaking the ice
5. The questions


Consumption Method [Audio,eBook,Paperback etc] ...
Paperback


Other Similar Books Worth Checking Out ...
[Two different books with the same title]
The Art of the Interview: Lessons from a Master of the Craft - Lawrence Grobe
The Art of the Interview - Martin Perlich


What Was Missing ...

Hmmm... I was originally hoping to find a list of standard operating procedure type questions; or at least a swipe file I could use for inspiration ... but I quickly learned, something that I should have already realised .. that every interview is different and you MUST do your own research to find the relevant, irreverent and engaging questions.

[Ms_prue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful! If you are a big fan of Kerry O'Brien, you may rate this a 4, because the great man gives some sage advice. Although it mostly boils down to "know your shit". He didn't say that, I am paraphrasing. But still, Kerry O'Brien!

[Asif]

Very practical book. Enjoyed reading.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good read with lots of tips and best practices written in easy to digest chapters. NOTE for American readers: It is heavy on examples and includes some law based in Australia.

[Margot Note]

"There's no more daunting prospect than having to meet with a total stranger for the sole purpose of eliciting information from them on a topic you know little to nothing about" (ix).

"The humble journalist who flatters the interviewee and coaxes answers from them will come away with a better story than the reporter who feigns knowledge and writes in ignorance" (37).

"The more preparation you have undertaken for an interview, the more relaxed and efficient you are likely to be" (56).

[Denise Caskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for some pointers on improving my interview skills and this book delivered. Everything from formulating the questions you want to ask to dealing with difficult sources, this book has a little of everything.

[drowningmermaid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay this... took me forever to get through.

Forever and a day.
It's dry and dated. Has a bit of useful info, but overall pretty trying.

I took notes, but I'm not going to record them here.
Mostly-- make sure that you get the basics right at the outset. This is a thing you will get burned on.
And finish up by asking if there's anything else they might want to add.

Those are some good questions.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically 200 pages of being told to do your research. There are some useful sections regarding types of interviews and tactics but most of it is just research and examples of other interviews.