Conducting interviews with experts is a cornerstone of credible news reporting. But securing that interview is only half the battle. Are you making common mistakes that undermine your credibility and leave valuable insights on the table? Let’s uncover some of the pitfalls that can turn a promising interview into a missed opportunity, and how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid framing questions that lead the expert to a specific answer; instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their insights.
- Always research the expert’s background and recent work to demonstrate respect for their time and avoid asking questions easily found online.
- Record the interview with the expert’s permission and take detailed notes to ensure accurate quotations and contextual understanding.
Failing to Do Your Homework
This is perhaps the most common and easily avoidable mistake. Walking into an interview without adequate preparation is disrespectful to the expert and detrimental to the quality of your reporting. I once saw a junior reporter completely fumble an interview with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading epidemiologist at Emory University, because he hadn’t bothered to read her recent paper on the latest COVID-19 variant. The entire interview was a waste of time.
Before you even think about crafting questions, thoroughly research your expert. This includes their professional background, recent publications, public statements, and any relevant controversies. A quick search on LexisNexis or ProQuest can surface relevant articles. Knowing their work inside and out allows you to ask more insightful questions and avoid wasting their time with queries they’ve already answered a dozen times. Moreover, it establishes your credibility as someone who takes their work seriously.
Asking Leading Questions
The goal of an interview is to gather information, not to confirm your pre-existing biases. Asking leading questions – those that subtly suggest a desired answer – undermines the integrity of the interview and can result in skewed or inaccurate information. This is especially important in news reporting where objectivity is key.
Consider the difference between these two questions:
- Leading: “Wouldn’t you agree that the new zoning regulations are detrimental to small businesses in the Old Fourth Ward?”
- Open-ended: “What are your thoughts on the potential impact of the new zoning regulations on small businesses in the Old Fourth Ward?”
The first question pushes the expert toward a negative assessment, while the second allows them to offer their unbiased opinion. Open-ended questions encourage experts to elaborate and provide context, leading to richer and more nuanced insights. A useful trick is to frame questions starting with “How,” “Why,” “What,” or “Tell me about…”
Neglecting Follow-Up Questions
An interview should be a conversation, not a rigid Q&A session. Often, the most valuable insights emerge from unexpected tangents or off-the-cuff remarks. But only if you’re paying attention. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your prepared questions to explore interesting avenues that arise during the discussion.
For example, if an expert mentions a specific piece of legislation, don’t just move on to the next question. Ask them to elaborate on its potential impact. Probe for specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate their point. Listen actively and engage with their responses. This demonstrates genuine interest and encourages them to share more freely. The best interviews are those where you learn something you didn’t expect.
Poor Recording and Note-Taking Practices
Accuracy is paramount in news reporting, and that starts with meticulous recording and note-taking. Relying solely on your memory is a recipe for misquotes and misinterpretations. Always ask the expert for permission to record the interview. Most will agree, but it’s a matter of professional courtesy. If they decline, take detailed notes, capturing key phrases and ideas verbatim.
Audio recording is ideal, as it allows you to review the entire conversation and ensure accurate transcription. Services like Otter.ai Otter.ai can automatically transcribe audio files, saving you time and effort. However, even with a recording, taking notes is still important. Jot down key points, timestamps, and any non-verbal cues that might be relevant. These notes will help you quickly locate specific information when you’re writing your story.
I had a client last year who was working on a story about the new Fulton County courthouse. She interviewed a local attorney, but her recording malfunctioned halfway through. Luckily, she had taken detailed notes, which allowed her to reconstruct the missing portion of the interview with reasonable accuracy. The story ran without a hitch.
Ignoring Context and Nuance
Expert opinions are rarely black and white. They’re often qualified, conditional, and subject to interpretation. It’s your job as a reporter to accurately convey the context and nuance of their statements. This means avoiding selective quoting, oversimplification, and taking things out of context. A Pew Research Center study found that misrepresentation of expert opinions is a major driver of distrust in the media.
Consider this scenario: An expert says, “The proposed tax cuts could stimulate economic growth, but only if they are targeted at specific sectors.” A selective quote might read, “The proposed tax cuts could stimulate economic growth,” omitting the crucial condition. This distortion misrepresents the expert’s actual view and could mislead your audience. Always strive to provide a complete and accurate picture of their perspective. When in doubt, ask for clarification or confirmation. It’s better to be thorough than to risk misrepresenting someone’s views. According to a report by the Associated Press, fact-checking and verification are essential to accurate reporting.
Failing to Build Rapport
While objectivity is important, remember that you’re dealing with human beings. Building rapport with your expert can significantly improve the quality of the interview. Start by expressing genuine appreciation for their time and expertise. Listen attentively and show that you’re engaged in the conversation. Ask follow-up questions that demonstrate your understanding and interest. A little bit of empathy can go a long way.
We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when interviewing a whistleblower for a story about corruption within the Georgia Department of Transportation. The whistleblower was initially hesitant to speak on the record, fearing retaliation. But by building a rapport – demonstrating empathy, assuring confidentiality, and explaining the importance of their story – we were able to gain their trust and secure a crucial interview. The story ultimately led to significant reforms within the department.
Case Study: The Atlanta BeltLine Impact
Last year, I was working on a story about the impact of the Atlanta BeltLine on housing affordability in the surrounding neighborhoods. I interviewed Dr. Emily Carter, an urban planning expert at Georgia Tech. I began by thoroughly researching Dr. Carter’s work, including her publications on gentrification and displacement. I prepared a list of open-ended questions focusing on the long-term consequences of the BeltLine project. During the interview, Dr. Carter mentioned a specific study showing a 30% increase in property values within a half-mile radius of the BeltLine over the past five years. I followed up by asking her about the implications of this trend for low-income residents. She explained that many long-time residents were being priced out of their homes and that the city needed to implement stronger affordable housing policies. I also asked her about potential solutions, such as inclusionary zoning and community land trusts. I made sure to accurately convey Dr. Carter’s nuanced perspective, avoiding oversimplification and selective quoting. The resulting article provided a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the BeltLine’s impact on housing affordability, highlighting both its benefits and its challenges.
Mastering the art of interviews with experts takes practice, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your reporting is accurate, insightful, and impactful. The next time you sit down for an interview, remember that preparation, active listening, and a genuine interest in the expert’s perspective are key to unlocking valuable insights for your readers. If you want to dig deeper, consider how to think critically about news, including expert opinions.
It’s also worth noting that expert interview mistakes can have a significant impact on a news outlet’s credibility. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid these pitfalls to maintain trust with your audience.
Stop settling for surface-level insights. By mastering the art of expert interviews, you can elevate your reporting, build trust with your audience, and uncover stories that truly matter. Are you ready to transform your interview approach and unlock the power of expert knowledge in your news reporting?
How do I handle an expert who is being evasive or uncooperative?
First, try to understand the reason for their hesitation. Are they uncomfortable with the topic? Do they fear repercussions? If possible, address their concerns directly. You can also try rephrasing your questions or approaching the topic from a different angle. If they remain evasive, you may need to conclude the interview and seek information from other sources.
What if an expert asks to review my article before publication?
While it’s generally not advisable to allow experts to dictate the content of your article, it’s reasonable to offer them the opportunity to review quotes for accuracy. This helps prevent misquotes and ensures that their words are represented fairly. However, the final editorial control should always remain with you.
How do I choose the right expert for my story?
Look for experts who have relevant knowledge and experience, a strong reputation in their field, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Check their credentials and publications to verify their expertise. Also, consider their potential biases and conflicts of interest. A balanced perspective is always desirable.
What should I do if an expert provides inaccurate information?
If you discover that an expert has provided inaccurate information, it’s your responsibility to correct it. This may involve contacting the expert to clarify the information or seeking confirmation from other sources. If the inaccuracy is significant, you may need to issue a correction or retraction.
Is it okay to conduct an interview via email?
While email interviews can be convenient, they are generally less effective than in-person or phone interviews. Email lacks the spontaneity and nuance of a live conversation, making it more difficult to build rapport and ask follow-up questions. Use email only as a last resort, and make sure to ask clear and specific questions.
