Who wouldn’t know America’s favorite talk-show host, Oprah Winfrey? Incase you don’t, then surely your very much familiar with our very own Kris Aquino. As well as Korina Sanchez and Mel Tiangco who are both not only talk-show hosts but are also popular news anchors. Besides talking, a common thing these people do once the cameras and lights are on is asking questions, or what we call an interview.
An interview has two basic types namely: formal and informal. A formal interview is usually conducted after a prior appointment with the interviewee or which we sometimes term as the source. He should know before hand the topic of the discussion. On the other hand, an informal interview, also known as an ambush interview is on-the-spot and usually occurs to public figures such as politicians and celebrities where they get to be questioned spontaneously in an unexpected time or place.
Whether formal or informal, the interviewer has to be prepared with good, relevant questions. Preparation also requires research. As an interviewer, you ought to have adequate background information regarding the topic which would be discussed.
Ask the most necessary questions first. This is most important during ambush interviews where there is limited time. Also, the interviewer should be prompt when he has asked for an appointment for he is just asking for a favor.
To avoid distracting the interviewee’s attention, the interviewer must observe proper grooming as well as hygiene and must dress appropriately. The interviewer on the other hand must also pay attention to what the source is talking about and use facial expressions properly to encourage the source.
Certain media practitioners these days tend to put aside ethics, which they have sworn to take into considerations. A credible interviewer figures out a way to get his source to speak but still keeps in mind the interviewee’s rights, especially to keep his silence regarding an issue raised.
The interviewer must be cautious in asking sensitive questions so as not to offend the interviewee. In talk shows, the host sometimes plays with words and does not shoot a question directly to get a more honest answer. Hard-nosed questions should not hurt, embarrass or intimidate the source.
An interview has two basic types namely: formal and informal. A formal interview is usually conducted after a prior appointment with the interviewee or which we sometimes term as the source. He should know before hand the topic of the discussion. On the other hand, an informal interview, also known as an ambush interview is on-the-spot and usually occurs to public figures such as politicians and celebrities where they get to be questioned spontaneously in an unexpected time or place.
Whether formal or informal, the interviewer has to be prepared with good, relevant questions. Preparation also requires research. As an interviewer, you ought to have adequate background information regarding the topic which would be discussed.
Ask the most necessary questions first. This is most important during ambush interviews where there is limited time. Also, the interviewer should be prompt when he has asked for an appointment for he is just asking for a favor.
To avoid distracting the interviewee’s attention, the interviewer must observe proper grooming as well as hygiene and must dress appropriately. The interviewer on the other hand must also pay attention to what the source is talking about and use facial expressions properly to encourage the source.
Certain media practitioners these days tend to put aside ethics, which they have sworn to take into considerations. A credible interviewer figures out a way to get his source to speak but still keeps in mind the interviewee’s rights, especially to keep his silence regarding an issue raised.
The interviewer must be cautious in asking sensitive questions so as not to offend the interviewee. In talk shows, the host sometimes plays with words and does not shoot a question directly to get a more honest answer. Hard-nosed questions should not hurt, embarrass or intimidate the source.
To keep it short, just remember that the key in conducting an interview is trust. A journalism professor has said it all, “Interviewing is the art of gaining trust, then gaining information.”
1 comment:
hi michelle, it has been a long time since we did not talk to each other and mind each other. well, i would like to thank you for haivng a place on your blog about this, how to conduct an interview, i really appreciate it becuase i really learned from it. you even wrote it in an organized and not confusing way that is why i was able to understand it very well, i hope i could also be like you to write like this. please continue writing more articles that give tips to people especially tips for effective communication.
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