Interviews for the Messenger are mostly about human interest, that means we are interested in the individual’s story, because they are doing something interesting or just because they live locally. Interviews like this are positive and are only printed if the interviewee is happy with what we have written.
Occasionally interviews will be about a news story, in which case we will be looking to get information and interesting quotes. Some of the questions may be challenging, but even in this case we will check what we have written back with the interviewee.
Before the interview
Chat with your interviewee briefly about the subjects you want to cover, this might help you prepare questions. It also means the interviewee won’t be too surprised by your questions.
Arrange a time and place for the interview
Let someone know where you’re going, and let someone in the Messenger office know as well.
Preparing Questions
Prepared questions are very useful, but you don’t need to stick to them rigidly, its good to let the conversation flow.
Research might be useful, if the topic of the interview is specialised, or you need to get particular information for a news story. Research can help you think of the most interesting questions.
In most cases questions need to be open ended. This means avoiding questions that get a yes or no answer. It also means not suggesting the answers you want eg “How did you feel about it?” rather than “Did you feel terrible about it?”
The questions you ask will depend on the story you want to write about – if you want to know about the activities they are doing now, what their childhood was like isn’t all that useful – background detail, is interesting but can be brief. If you’re getting someone’s life story, their childhood will be important.
Remember the basics:
Who are they – this could include name (check the spelling), age, what area they live (eg Carwood), what their job title is or what they do for a living, do they have family/ children.
What – the details of their activities, or what happened
Where – where are the events or activities you’re talking about taking place
When – this could be times and dates, or the year if you are talking about the past
Why – why are they involved in the activity, what made them get started.
How – in some cases how something will be done is important.
What’s next – do they have plans for the future
During the interview
Try to make eye contact – this can be difficult if you’re making notes, but it lets the interviewee know you’re listening and helps them talk.
Don’t be afraid to ask – questions may come to mind while they are speaking or they may say something you don’t understand. But be careful not to interrupt.
Remember the interview is not about you – be careful not to start talking about your own opinion or your own experiences too much, although it can be useful to use these to encourage people to talk.
Direct quotes are important – try to write down some of what is said the way the interviewee says it. Not all the interview needs to be like this, but several key quotes will help bring across the personality of the interviewee.
Writing up the story
When you’re writing the story the main thing is to remember the focus of your story and don’t stray too far. But you don’t need to stick to a formula, different styles are interesting for the reader. Here are a few tips and ideas
Tell the reader what it’s about – this can be done in the first sentence (when the story is about news), or be revealed later, but always near the beginning.
Set the scene – you can tell the reader where you were when you met the interviewee, about the atmosphere, or about what the interviewee looks like, or how they came across.
Include direct quotes – Let the interviewee speak for themselves, it makes the story more credible. Quotes can reveal information and move the story along as well as give you an insight into the personality.
Conclusion – what’s going to happen next, how to get involved, or someone to contact for more information.
Personal safety
Interviewing for the Messenger is not a risky business, but here are a few common-sense things you still need to think about:
Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back
Let the Messenger office know when and where the interview will be.
Try to meet interviewees in public places if possible.
If you have any concerns interviewing in someone’s home or in private ask if someone can go with you.
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, make your excuses and leave. You can always rearrange the interview at a later date.
Always show your Messenger identity badge.