The act of conducting an interview is a procedural task. Deciding which person to interview is the first step in this process. The selection of a person depends on many factors. Generally, people are interested in knowing about prominent leaders, actors, athletes, artists, etc., and sometimes individuals from the world of crime.
Therefore, journalists continue to look for opportunities to interview such individuals. If a notable person comes to the city, or if a celebrity is present at an event, they can become the subject of an interview. The journalist must decide which issue to discuss in order to create news that gets published. Journalists also interview people from marginalized and low-income communities, bringing information about them to the public’s attention.
Interviews can also be conducted about the purpose and field of work of important people or experts coming from abroad. In an interview, we discuss the subject’s life, works, inspiration, daily routine, interests, thoughts, etc., or this subject area can be based on only one topic.
Person & Topics:
First of all, permission and consent are obtained from the subject, and after that, the journalist prepares a questionnaire related to the topic. In the absence of this, the interview can also be conducted based on questions collected in one’s mind. These are related to special circumstances and occasions.
If there is sufficient time, one can conduct an interview, and many of its subjects can be covered through questions; i.e., the interview time can be fully utilized only when the journalist always keeps the outline of the questions in mind. An attempt is made to extract the desired information, facts, and ideas from the proposed questions and supplementary questions. The language of the questions can be changed and put forward again. This is generally done when the person being interviewed does not answer a question or gives a vague answer.
The talent of the interviewer is evident in how he extracts the answers to the questions he wants. However, it should always be kept in mind that such conversations should not create bitterness, and the dignity of the character should not be harmed. It is not necessary for the journalist to know shorthand. There is a danger that the character’s chain of thought could be broken by writing his thoughts in front of him like dictation, and it also takes more time. However, some special facts can certainly be written down, and they can be developed based on these and other conversations. Keep in mind that no important points should be left out. Dates, names of persons and institutions, lists, quotations, incidents, principles, etc., should be written properly. The practice of writing quickly can yield good results.
It is good to note the personality, environment, gestures, and reactions of the subject in the form of hints. Then, a good interview can be prepared on the basis of those points and memories. If you can record the dialogue in the interview using a tape recorder, it can prove to be a very good option. This increases authenticity in the interview. Those things that are not in the interest of the country and society to mention should be left out, or those facts that the subject himself has refused to reveal should not be disclosed.
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>At the beginning of the interview, the subject can be introduced, and other subjects to be included depend on the subject being interviewed. Generally, after preparing the interview, there is no need to show it to the subject and obtain their approval, but if the subject insists, then this action must be completed. When the statements of the person are distorted in the interview, or the motives behind their basic principles are changed, a dispute can arise. If an interview is conducted on an important subject, then the person should be shown the prepared copy, and consent and amendments should be made; this reduces the risk of dispute.
Precautions in Interview (Tips for Interview)
- It is good to acquire the necessary knowledge about the person and the subject of the interview before the interview. This also improves the interview.
- The person being interviewed or their thoughts and ideology should be given the necessary respect. They should not be ignored due to their personality, attire, weakness in language, lack of education, poverty, or low social status, etc.
- The interviewer should not mislead the person nor pressurize him to reveal any facts. The interviewer should not be arrogant, rude, imposing his opinions, talkative, bitter, or lazy in behavior. These traits create obstacles to establishing a proper environment.
- Many times, the subject avoids a question and hides something. He tries to extract information in a roundabout way. If the subject is adamant about telling something or not, then one should not insist or argue, as there is a high possibility of bitterness arising from this. Such situations should be avoided. The personality of the interviewer should be characterized by curiosity, speaking ability, a good command of language, the art of extracting information, the art of listening, patience, knowledge of psychology, politeness, and the ability to turn the conversation according to the situation, which promotes the expertise of the journalist and yields good and accurate results.
- Importance is given to the statement of the subject, his words, and thoughts, and not to one’s own thoughts and imaginations. It is said that listening patiently is also an art in itself. One should not show impatience while listening.
- Always keep in mind that we are the ones who give the right to speak or communicate the thoughts to the subject of the interview. This should not be violated because if the reporter and the interviewee express equal views on a subject, then it is not called an interview but a discussion. The reporter should not use any prejudice; during this process, the path of neutrality should be adopted and not enmity or friendship.
- An interview is not a personal matter; it is intended for the information of the public. Therefore, the subject’s statements should not be presented in a distorted manner. The basic spirit of an interview is ‘as he said.’ Whether the reporter agrees with it or not should make no difference to the subject. Many times, the interviewee also retracts his statements, especially when they become the center of a controversy. This is why there are many instances where the reporter, even after being aware, prefers to hear directly from the subject because it increases the credibility of the interview. This is done for the public’s information. One should not impose one’s own views.
- Avoid including controversial topics and questions in the subject matter of the interview that may have an adverse effect on the national interest, promote communalism, spread bitterness in society, or defame someone’s character. Always keep in mind that both the question and the answer should be clear. If the answer is not clear, it should be clarified by asking again. This can help avoid situations of confusion and dispute.
- The interview should be completed, as far as possible, within the stipulated time, and at the end, a thank-you note should be given to the interviewee for their time and for sharing their views.
Blog By:-
Anushka Sharma
Assistant Professor
Journalism Department
Biyani Girls College
