Common Mistakes in Conducting Interviews with Experts

Crafting compelling interviews with experts for your news outlet can significantly boost readership and credibility. However, a poorly executed interview can do more harm than good. Are you making these common, easily avoidable mistakes that undermine your reporting?

Mistake 1: Lack of Thorough Research and Preparation for Expert Interviews

One of the biggest pitfalls in conducting news interviews with experts is inadequate preparation. Walking into an interview without a firm grasp of the expert’s background, their field of expertise, and the current state of relevant research is a recipe for disaster.

This lack of preparation can manifest in several ways:

• Asking rudimentary questions: You risk insulting the expert and boring your audience by asking questions easily answered with a quick Google search.
• Missing opportunities for deeper insights: Without background knowledge, you won’t be able to ask probing follow-up questions that uncover novel perspectives or challenge conventional wisdom.
• Appearing unprofessional: A lack of preparation can damage your credibility and the reputation of your news organization.

Instead, before conducting an interview, dedicate time to:

1. Research the expert: Understand their credentials, publications, and previous statements on the topic. Use resources like Google Scholar, LinkedIn, and the expert’s institutional website.
2. Familiarize yourself with the subject matter: Read relevant research papers, news articles, and industry reports. Consult resources like Statista for data and statistics.
3. Craft thoughtful, open-ended questions: Avoid yes/no questions. Focus on questions that encourage the expert to elaborate, provide context, and share their unique perspective.

Based on my experience as a journalist for the past 10 years, dedicating at least 2-3 hours to research per interview has consistently resulted in more insightful and engaging conversations.

Mistake 2: Failing to Establish Clear Objectives and Interview Structure

A successful interview needs a clear purpose and a well-defined structure. Wandering aimlessly through a conversation without a plan is a surefire way to waste everyone’s time and produce a disjointed, unfocused piece.

Common structural issues include:

• Lack of a clear narrative arc: The interview should have a beginning, middle, and end, with a logical flow of topics.
• Jumping between unrelated subjects: This can confuse the audience and make it difficult to follow the conversation.
• Failing to allocate time effectively: Spending too much time on less important topics can leave you scrambling at the end.

To avoid these pitfalls:

1. Define your objective: What do you hope to achieve with the interview? What key takeaways do you want your audience to remember?
2. Create an outline: Develop a list of topics and questions, arranged in a logical order. Allocate time for each section.
3. Communicate your plan to the expert: Share a brief outline of the topics you plan to cover. This helps them prepare and ensures the interview stays on track.

Mistake 3: Poor Listening and Interrupting Techniques During News Interviews

Effective interviewing is as much about listening as it is about asking questions. Interrupting the expert, not paying attention to their responses, or formulating your next question while they’re still speaking can lead to missed opportunities and inaccurate reporting.

Specifically, avoid:

• Constant interruptions: Let the expert finish their thoughts before jumping in with your next question.
• Preconceived notions: Be open to hearing viewpoints that challenge your assumptions.
• Failing to ask follow-up questions: Don’t be afraid to probe deeper into interesting or unexpected responses.

Instead, practice active listening skills:

1. Pay attention: Focus on what the expert is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
2. Show empathy: Acknowledge the expert’s perspective and demonstrate that you understand their point of view.
3. Ask clarifying questions: If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Use phrases like, “Could you elaborate on that?” or “What do you mean by…?”

Mistake 4: Neglecting Fact-Checking and Verification in News Articles

In the age of misinformation, fact-checking is more crucial than ever. Failing to verify the information provided by your expert can damage your credibility and spread false or misleading information.

Common fact-checking errors include:

• Accepting information at face value: Don’t assume that everything the expert says is accurate.
• Failing to cross-reference information: Verify the expert’s claims with other sources.
• Ignoring potential biases: Be aware of the expert’s potential biases and consider how they might influence their statements.

To ensure accuracy:

1. Verify all claims: Check statistics, dates, and other factual information with reliable sources.
2. Consult multiple sources: Don’t rely solely on the expert’s information. Seek out other perspectives and data points.
3. Use fact-checking tools: Utilize resources like Snopes and PolitiFact to verify claims.

A 2025 report by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans believe journalists should do more to fact-check information before publishing it. This underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking in maintaining public trust.

Mistake 5: Not Obtaining Proper Permissions and Clearances

Before publishing any interview, it’s crucial to obtain the necessary permissions and clearances from the expert. Failing to do so can lead to legal issues and damage your relationship with the expert.

Common clearance issues include:

• Publishing without consent: Always obtain the expert’s permission before publishing any part of the interview.
• Misrepresenting the expert’s views: Ensure that your reporting accurately reflects the expert’s statements and intentions.
• Failing to provide an opportunity for review: Allow the expert to review the final article or transcript before publication to ensure accuracy and address any concerns.

To avoid these problems:

1. Obtain written consent: Get the expert’s written permission to publish the interview.
2. Provide a transcript or draft for review: Allow the expert to review the interview for accuracy and clarity.
3. Be transparent about your intentions: Clearly communicate how you plan to use the interview and what kind of audience it will reach.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Accessibility and Engagement in News Reporting

A well-crafted interview is useless if it’s not accessible to your audience. Ignoring accessibility guidelines and failing to engage your readers can limit the impact of your work.

Accessibility issues include:

• Using jargon or technical terms without explanation: Define any specialized terms that your audience may not understand.
• Failing to provide context: Explain the background and significance of the topic.
• Ignoring visual elements: Use images, videos, and other visual elements to enhance engagement.

To improve accessibility and engagement:

1. Use plain language: Avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible.
2. Provide context and background information: Explain the significance of the topic and its relevance to your audience.
3. Incorporate multimedia elements: Use images, videos, and interactive graphics to enhance engagement.
4. Optimize for mobile devices: Ensure that your interview is easily readable on smartphones and tablets.
5. Promote the interview on social media: Share excerpts and highlights on social media platforms to drive traffic to your website. Use tools like Buffer to schedule posts.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the quality and impact of your interviews with experts. Remember that preparation, listening, fact-checking, and ethical considerations are essential for producing accurate, engaging, and credible news.

In conclusion, conducting impactful interviews with experts for your news outlet hinges on meticulous preparation, active listening, rigorous fact-checking, and ethical conduct. By avoiding common pitfalls like inadequate research, poor listening skills, and neglecting permissions, you can elevate your reporting and build credibility with your audience. The key takeaway is to always prioritize accuracy, clarity, and respect for the expert’s expertise. So, are you ready to transform your interview approach and deliver truly insightful news?