Interviewing notes:
Choose attire to fit environment
If story is a profile or feature, usually best to get source away from work
Important to let source know how much time you will need and whether you expect to return for further information
Ask about tape recorder. Don’t sit the recorder in a conspicuous place. Ignore it, other than to occasionally make sure it is working properly.
Don’t sit right in front of those interviewed; it makes them uncomfortable.
Write down a list of questions you want to ask. This way you won’t forget an important point. This relieves you of the need to be mentally searching for next question. While you may ask all of your prepared questions, in some interviews you probably will only use some of them. Don’t be afraid to stray from your list of questions.
Phrasing of questions. Watch your phrasing. Be neutral. Be fair. Favor open-ended questions. Sources often reveal more than they realize or intent to. Close-ended are designed to elicit specific responses. You are also communicating to your source you have done your homework and are looking for precise detail.
Keep rephrasing the question until the source answers it.
Maintain control. Don’t let the interviewee lead you. But don’t interrupt the person. Wait for a suitable pause and then guide them back to subject.
Avoid becoming the interviewee. Remind person politely you are there to do the interviewing, not be interviewed.
Leave all preconceptions and misconceptions at home.
Establish a rapport: share and care. Reporters who can show sources what they have in common have more success getting information. Also, sources who think you are sympathetic are more likely to volunteer information. Or if you think source might be skeptical about your knowledge of the field, with a question that demonstrates your knowledge.
If time allows, save your most controversial, embarrassing questions for later in the interview. In dealing with persons who have just experienced a tragedy or death, be polite and firm, but ask the necessary questions. The person can always refuse to answer. But ask only relevant questions. You don’t need the gory details.
Some questions are delaying tactics. Catch up. And don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand something or ask a source to repeat something.
Taking copious notes may interfere with your ability to interact. Learn a shorthand. Don’t always stare at your notepad.
When a source unwittingly gives you a scoop, sometimes it is best to act as if you already know it.
Two things to do when you are finished with your questions: check key facts, figures and quotes, and then put down your pen and keep ears open. That’s when some sources open up. And checking shows source you are careful.
Before you leave, ask if there’s anything you forgot to ask. You may have missed some important signals. This sometimes leads to entirely new subjects.
Arrange a time to call and check parts or clear up questions.