UPAR 2017 05 Basic Interviewing

1. Basic InterviewingTechniques
SSG Benjamin Simon

2. Objectives:
 Become familiar with the pieces of
information required for a successful story.
 Become familiar with different
techniques for gathering information
during an interview.

3. ““Never ask a question to which youNever ask a question to which you
do not know the answer”do not know the answer”

4.  Schedule a time to meet the subject – do notdo not
be latebe late. Establish, in advance, how much time
you expect to need.
 Have a few questions ready to begin the
interview.
 Be sure to have with you:
▪ Pens/Pencils
▪ Notebook
▪ Voice recorder (as a backup – never as your only source)

5.  Take complete notes – don’t be afraid to ask
someone to slow down or repeat something.
Accuracy is important!Accuracy is important!
 Be sure to clarify any information that you
don’t understand – abbreviations or
acronyms.
 Finish notating the answer before asking the
next question.

6.  NameName – First M Last
 RankRank – Staff Sgt.
 TitleTitle – platoon sergeant
 MOSMOS – current and/or previous – full name, not 91B
 UnitUnit – Company B, 1st
Battalion, 102nd
Infantry Regiment
 Time in serviceTime in service – Guard & other services
 DeploymentsDeployments – if any
 HometownHometown
 Civilian CareerCivilian Career
 EducationEducation
Some info will be used, some may not be. The purpose of these questions
is as much about putting the subject at ease and building rapport as it is
about gathering story information. This also helps to establish the interviewee
as the subject matter expertthe subject matter expert for the story.

7.  WhoWho is this story about?
 WhatWhat happened?
 WhenWhen did the event take place?
 WhereWhere did the event occur?
 WhyWhy did it happen?
 HowHow did it happen? How is the event relevant
to the Guard/Military?
A story is not complete until all of these questions haveA story is not complete until all of these questions have
been answered in the reader’s mind.been answered in the reader’s mind.

8.  Interview one person at a time (whenever
possible)
 Ask direct, open-ended questions
▪ Avoid Yes or No questions
 If an answer begins to move away from the
focus of the story, be sure to bring the focus
back with the next question
 When you have finished your questions, ask:
““Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet covered?”Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet covered?”
 Be sure to thank your subject for the time

9.  Before leaving an interview, be sure to ask:
““Is it okay if I contact you with anyIs it okay if I contact you with any
follow-up questions?”follow-up questions?”
 Obtain a phone number and email address
for each interviewee
 If there are additional questions to be
addressed, make contact as soon as possible

10.  One source is not enough
 A complete story requires more than one
source
 A source is a subject matter expert or witness
to an event
 Minimum of two interviews
 Other sources:
▪ Internet (be sure that source is reputable)
▪ Books
▪ Films
▪ Other reference materials

11. What are your questions?What are your questions?