By this, I mean, don't get caught up in trying to write down
every word said. You'll know which quotes are useable the moment you hear them.
While your subject is speaking, don't just hear the answers, listen to them.
The majority of great quotes come on follow-up questions that you never planned
to ask in the first place.
Think of it from the other way around: If you are talking to
someone who is distracted, scribbling frantically and not making eye contact,
you may be hesitant to speak your mind.
Phone Etiquette
When doing an interview on the phone, you face one main
handicap – an inability to see the other person’s reactions. This is a time to
be strictly by-the-book. Ask your questions straightforward and do not
interrupt until you are sure the person is finished speaking.
Most of the time, phone interviews are necessary for people
with busy schedules, and you will need a specific time to call. Remember not to
be late in making the call. Also, don’t linger on the phone after you have the
information you need. A phone interview done quickly, pleasantly and
efficiently will mean you have another person willing to speak with you again
in the future.
Call Backs
If you realize you need more information, call them back.
This is kind of tricky. You basically have one free extra call with someone.
They'll understand if you want more information and appreciate your attempts at
accuracy. That being said, for an interview subject you don't have a strong
relationship with, you have only that one extra call. Your subject will start
getting annoyed if you call back three or four times.
The Tough Interviews
It’s great interviewing a nice lady who sells homemade
pottery. It can get a little scary when you interview people who have committed
a crime, or lost a loved one, for example.
If your research has shown you that a person you need to
interview may not be the type of person you like, remember, it’s not your job
to judge them. Always stay completely neutral. Any lack of neutrality will show
in the interview and you could quickly anger and lose a source.
When the situation calls for tact, be aware. When you know
your questions are going to touch on personal issues, ask permission first. “I
know this is hard, but do you mind if I ask you a few questions,” will usually
be enough to make your source realize you are just doing your job.