Here’s how to ace your next expert interview. Conducting interviews with experts is a cornerstone of quality journalism and credible news reporting. But even seasoned journalists can fall into traps that undermine their work. Are you accidentally sabotaging your interviews and, consequently, your audience’s trust?
Failing to Prepare for News Interviews
Preparation is paramount. Walking into an interview without a solid understanding of the expert’s background, their area of expertise, and the relevant context is a recipe for disaster. This includes more than just a cursory Google search.
- Research thoroughly: Delve into the expert’s published works, previous interviews, and presentations. Understand their perspective and identify any potential biases. Use tools like LexisNexis to access a comprehensive archive of news articles and legal documents.
- Craft targeted questions: Don’t rely on generic, open-ended questions. Develop specific inquiries that address key issues and challenge assumptions. Prioritize questions that will provide your audience with valuable insights and actionable information.
- Understand the context: Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the expert’s field. Familiarize yourself with the relevant data, statistics, and research findings. This will enable you to ask informed questions and engage in a meaningful conversation.
- Know your audience: Tailor your questions to the knowledge level and interests of your target audience. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be confusing or alienating.
In my experience as a journalist covering the healthcare industry, I’ve found that even a few hours of dedicated research can significantly improve the quality of an interview and the resulting article.
Asking Leading Questions in Interviews with Experts
Leading questions subtly steer the expert towards a specific answer, compromising the objectivity and credibility of the interview. These types of questions often contain an assumption or a bias that can influence the expert’s response.
- Identify leading questions: Be aware of phrases like “Wouldn’t you agree that…” or “Isn’t it true that…”. These phrases often signal a leading question.
- Rephrase your questions: Instead of asking “Isn’t it true that the new policy will harm small businesses?”, try “What are the potential impacts of the new policy on small businesses?”.
- Focus on open-ended inquiries: Encourage the expert to share their own perspective without being influenced by your preconceived notions. Use questions that start with “How,” “What,” “Why,” or “Tell me about…”.
Neglecting Active Listening During News Interviews
An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Active listening is essential for understanding the expert’s perspective, identifying follow-up questions, and building rapport.
- Pay attention: Focus your full attention on the expert’s words, both verbal and nonverbal. Minimize distractions and avoid formulating your next question while the expert is speaking.
- Summarize and clarify: Periodically summarize the expert’s points to ensure you understand them correctly. Ask clarifying questions to delve deeper into specific areas.
- Observe body language: Pay attention to the expert’s body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. These cues can provide valuable insights into their feelings and attitudes.
- Be present: Put away distractions. Turn off notifications on your phone and close unnecessary tabs on your computer. Show the expert that you are fully engaged in the conversation.
Failing to Challenge Assumptions in Interviews with Experts
While respecting the expert’s authority is important, it’s equally crucial to challenge their assumptions and biases. A good interviewer probes deeper, asks difficult questions, and encourages the expert to defend their claims.
- Identify assumptions: Listen carefully for statements that are presented as facts but lack supporting evidence.
- Ask for evidence: Challenge the expert to provide data, research, or examples to support their claims.
- Play devil’s advocate: Present alternative viewpoints and ask the expert to respond to them.
- Don’t be afraid to disagree: If you have a legitimate disagreement with the expert’s opinion, express it respectfully and ask them to address your concerns.
- Be respectful: Challenging assumptions is not about being confrontational. It’s about ensuring that the interview is rigorous and informative.
A 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that news consumers are increasingly skeptical of information presented without supporting evidence. Challenging assumptions helps to build trust and credibility with your audience.
Lack of Post-Interview Follow-Up for News
The interview itself is just one part of the process. Failing to follow up with the expert after the interview can lead to inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.
- Verify facts: Double-check all facts, figures, and statistics mentioned during the interview. Consult reliable sources to ensure accuracy.
- Seek clarification: If you’re unsure about anything the expert said, reach out to them for clarification. It’s better to ask a question than to publish incorrect information.
- Provide context: Share relevant background information with the expert to help them understand how their comments will be used in the article.
- Offer a review: Consider offering the expert the opportunity to review their quotes for accuracy before publication. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that they are comfortable with how their words are being used.
- Thank the expert: Express your gratitude for their time and expertise. A simple thank-you note can go a long way in building a positive relationship.
Ignoring Ethical Considerations During Interviews with Experts
Ethical considerations are paramount in journalism. Ignoring these principles can damage your reputation, undermine public trust, and even lead to legal consequences.
- Transparency: Be transparent about your intentions and the purpose of the interview. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
- Accuracy: Strive for accuracy in all your reporting. Verify facts, attribute sources, and correct errors promptly.
- Fairness: Present all sides of the story fairly and objectively. Give all parties an opportunity to respond to criticism.
- Respect: Treat all interviewees with respect, regardless of their background or opinions.
- Privacy: Protect the privacy of your sources. Obtain consent before publishing any personal information.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Always attribute information to its original source to avoid plagiarism. Use tools like Grammarly to help you identify and correct plagiarism.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can conduct more effective interviews with experts and produce higher-quality news reporting. Remember to prepare thoroughly, listen actively, challenge assumptions, follow up diligently, and adhere to ethical principles. This will enhance your credibility, build trust with your audience, and elevate your journalism.
How do I handle an expert who is evasive or unwilling to answer my questions directly?
If an expert is being evasive, try rephrasing your question in a different way. You can also try asking more specific questions to narrow down the topic. If the expert continues to avoid answering, you can gently point out that their evasiveness is being noted and may be interpreted negatively. Sometimes, knowing you are aware of their tactic will encourage a more forthcoming response.
What should I do if I realize I’ve made a mistake during an interview?
If you realize you’ve made a mistake, such as misstating a fact or asking a poorly worded question, acknowledge it immediately. Apologize if necessary and correct the error. This demonstrates integrity and shows respect for the expert and your audience.
How can I build rapport with an expert before an interview?
Building rapport is key to a successful interview. Before the interview, research the expert’s background and find common ground. Start the interview with a friendly conversation and show genuine interest in their work. Be respectful and attentive throughout the interview. Consider sending them your questions in advance, especially if they are sensitive or complex.
What is the best way to record an interview?
The best way to record an interview is to use a high-quality audio recorder. Ensure that the recorder is properly set up and tested before the interview begins. Obtain the expert’s consent to record the interview. As a backup, take detailed notes during the interview. After the interview, transcribe the recording as soon as possible.
How do I handle an expert who is overly verbose or uses jargon excessively?
If an expert is being overly verbose, gently interrupt them and steer the conversation back to the main topic. If they are using jargon excessively, ask them to explain the terms in plain language. Remind them that your audience may not be familiar with technical terminology.
