Presented by Kelly Savio.

1. Interviewing
Tips
A Guide to Getting
“the Good Stuff”

2. Go in prepared
 Become an expert/do research
 But don’t be afraid to admit your limited
knowledge and let them show off their
expertise*)
 Think about question order (natural
segues, logical order)
 Have good questions
 Print out confusing/potentially
controversial stuff

3. Warm them up
 Introduce yourself (Name, state your
affiliation, briefly explain the story and why
you’d like to talk to them)*
 Softball questions
 Build up to the juicy stuff
 Exception: Breaking news

4. What’s in a name?
 Get it right
 Double-check it
 Use “military lingo”
 They spell it for you
 Show it to them
 GET IT RIGHT (Did I mention that?)
 Check for titles at this time

5. Prep the questions
 ABSOLUTELY prep questions
 Number them
 Don’t plan spaces
 Give yourself some time to think/add
 Ask your colleagues what they’d want to
know

6. The questions themselves
 One word answers? Bad.
 Let them tell you.
 Try, “Tell me….”or “Could you explain….”
 Clichés are a dime a dozen
 Watch out for “duh” questions
 Go off-script when needed
 Don’t forget the basics: 5Ws,1H*
 Get lots of specifics/details*

7. Recorders
 Not always
 Ask permission (with a spin)
 Record it
 Don’t erase it
 Keep it with your notes

8. Look up from your notebook
 Look at the person
 Eye contact
 Observe their behavior
 Observe the surroundings
 Put it all in the notes
 Give them time to think (don’t be afraid
of a pause/silence)
 Be aware of your intimidation factor and
adjust accordingly

9. Know your rights
 What’s public information?
 Who should you have access to?
 Where can you go?
 What can you see?
 What is a reasonable amount of time?
 Be thoughtful when exercising these rights.

10. Off the record
 Controversial/Dangerous
territory
 Is your name Woodward or Bernstein?
 Don’t do it

11. Odds and ends
 Personal shorthand
 Right way to ask someone to slow down
(use it!)
 Don’t take forever writing
 Read back for clarity
 No email interviews
 Be respectful… no matter what
 Leave, go to your “spot,” organize

12. *Attribution
 Thisis where I mention that I borrowed a
few tips from David Sheets (Phone: 314-
971-0073 Email: dsheets@post-
dispatch.com Facebook: david.sheets
Twitter: @DKSheets )