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Thursday, June 13, 2013
Tool #2: InterviewingWCVM Writing Tools Workshop for Research Summer Students
Tool #2: Interviewing
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
To complete this summer’s writing assignment, you will needto interview at least one person (your mentor or other team member).
As part of your assignment, we’re asking you to take some photos of your interview subject along with your story.
Interviewing skills are essential, lifelong tools.
Interviewing
OUTLINE:
Interview prep work.
You have 30 minutes. Go!
Can I get a few photos?
Interview: done. Now what?
How can I use these skills in veterinary medicine?
Interview prep work.
GOALS
What’s your story angle?
Who’s the best person to talk to for your story?
What do you really want to find out from this person?
Setting up an interview.
Interview prep work.
QUESTIONS
Background check: The value of Googling your subject.
Draft a structured question list. Don’t opt for the random shuffle.
Get to know your questions.
Interview prep work.
THE PRACTICALITIES
The ideal interview space.
Using a digital recorder: Pros and cons.
Writing notes while you interview: juggling skills.
Bring the camera (along with extra batteries).
You have 30 minutes. Go!
As an interviewer, you are the director of a “weirdly focused, slightly augmented conversation.”
Thomas Hayden, The Science Writers’ Handbook.
You have 30 minutes. Go!
BEGINNING THE INTERVIEW
Summarize the subject and scope of your assignment.Double-check how much time you have.
Bring out your question list, then ignore it.
Start with some easy questions.
Don’t forget to click on your digital recorder.
You have 30 minutes. Go!
YOU’RE IN THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR
Keep the conversation as natural as you can. Be prepared to coax your interviewee or rein him in.
“Can you repeat that?” Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
“Can you explain in lay terms?” Interview for your audience.
Ask open-ended questions. Read your interviewee’s personality.
Some silence is a good thing — don’t butt in.
You have 30 minutes. Go!
THE HUNT FOR “BAZINGA” QUOTES
Don’t be afraid to ask the “softie” questions.
Asking questions that aren’t on your list? That’s okay!
“Ask the questions you think you know the answers to as well as the ones you don’t.” (The Science Writers’ Handbook).
Those last precious moments: “Is there anything else that you want to add?”
Can I get a few photos?
Good photos . . .
are well composed. are well exposed.
evoke feelings.
tell stories.
say something about life. Source: Photography.com, “Five elements of a great photograph,” by Nancy Hill.
(U of S Visual Guide)
Can I get a few photos?
PHOTOGRAPHY CHECK LIST
Use a simple background.
Use your camera’s highest setting for photo resolution.
Check your focus — and then check it again.
Not enough light? Ditch the lab, go outdoors.
People working with animals: take plenty of photos.
Interview: done.Now what? Transcribe your interview’s
key points sooner than later.
Fill in the blanks in your notebook.
Get out the yellow highlighter.
Use your interviewing notes to begin building your story’s structure.
How can I use these skills? Never underestimate the
power of preparing questions.
Simple questions usually reap the best information.
Good listeners pick up details that often go unnoticed.
See the view from other people’s eyes.
Questions are the basis for good conversations as well as good relationships.
Interviewing exercise
Pick a partner to interview.
Interview your partner about his/her research project. Make sure to take notes.
Your job: Uncover three key points about your interviewee’s project.
Find at least one key quote.
Questions?
Photography
Debra Marshall, Michael Raine, David Stobbe, Christina Weese, Myrna MacDonald.
