Interviewing skills
Here we look at the skills needed to conduct a successful interview. We consider how to prepare for an interview, the possible motives of those being interviewed, how to interview off the record and how to interview without questions. This section also contains a collection of interviewing guides, exercises, workshops and lessons for those eager to learn more.
Introduction to interviewing
The interview is one of the basic tools of journalism. You cannot be a good journalist without being a good interviewer and a careful listener.
Preparing for an interview
A journalist needs to be well-prepared when planning an interview. However, after all your research, try to keep the interview to three questions in order to avoid over-complication and confusion.
Interviewing without questions
Some interviews don't have to be a rigid question-and-answer session. A more conversational approach - without asking a single question - can sometimes yield richer insights.
Interviewing remotely
Here we explore the key issues journalists face when interviewing sources via electronic media instead of face-to-face and in real time.
Why would anyone want to talk to a journalist?
An investigative journalist has to encourage people to share information that they had previously withheld.
Interviewing politicians
Master the art of interviewing politicians: learn to handle scripts, stay on track, know your subject, and avoid losing your cool.
Interviewing ‘off the record’
Journalists’ sources sometimes agree to talk only off the record. Here we examine what that means and how to handle it when sources place...
Interviewing for video journalists
Tips about the steps a video journalist can take to enhance the quality of filmed interviews.
Interviewing integrity – scenario
In this scenario, an award-winning journalist is offered a top job at national TV station, but soon after starting her new job she discovers corruption in the media house.
Off-the-record chat – scenario
In this scenario we look at what a journalist should do with off-the-record information when it relates to a major news event.
Related learning resources
Conducting interviews remotely
This checklist sets out the main considerations when conducting an interview remotely if an interviewee is not available for a face-to-face meeting.
Interviewing skills
To conduct an insightful interview you must be well-prepared, having carried out thorough research, be focused on the topic, and be an attentive listener.
Exercise: Interviewing skills
Understanding how to conduct an interview is essential if a journalist is to uncover previously unknown facts and produce original news stories.
Workshop: Interviewing skills
Interviewing is a vital journalistic tool. Use targeted conversations to gather facts and insights while building a reliable network of sources.
Lesson: How to interview politicians
This lesson plan is designed to help journalism students interview politicians in order to uncover answers that inform the audience.
Lesson: Interviewing for journalists
This free day-long lesson plan is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to become a confident and competent interviewer.
Lesson: Interviewing ‘off the record’
This lesson plan is designed to help journalists understand the purpose, the benefits, and the risks of ‘off the record’ interviews.
Lesson: Remote interviewing for journalists
This lesson plan is designed to equip journalists with the strategic skills needed to navigate the challenges and maximise the advantages of remote interviewing.
Lesson: Understanding interviewees
This lesson plan looks at why some people are willing to talk to an investigative journalist and why some won't.