The modern art of the 2013 interview is very far from the banal questioning. This process is fraught with quite a few pitfalls and requires knowledge of the intricacies of the profession. Although there is still an opinion that interviews are one of the easiest genres in modern journalism. It would seem that it is difficult: ask your counterpart questions and listen to the answers. But not everything is so simple.
There are many factors that will affect the interview. This is the personality of the interviewer, the circumstances, the degree of public outcry, etc. So what is the difference between Larry King and a provincial freelance journalist? Why does one make the best interviews, while the other brings sharp yawns and an overwhelming desire to change the channel?
Experienced journalists know that 80% of interview success is preparation. Awareness is the main weapon of modern media. In anticipation of a meeting with a star, even professionals devote whole weeks to studying the biography and statements of a person.
Necessaryremember that the questioner is primarily representing the audience, not himself. This means the maximum possible objectivity and impartiality on his part. It is unacceptable to express your personal point of view, agree or disagree with the speaker or enter into polemics with him (if this is not provided for by the transmission format).
If you want to be informed, own your emotions. Questions that obviously carry a negative message make the interlocutor "close" or provoke an aggressive reaction. A journalist should avoid the manifestation of personal feelings: delight in the presence of a celebrity, condemnation and disgust next to a criminal. Critical thinking and the ability to doubt will help to avoid a situation when a journalist during an interview “looks in the mouth” of an authoritative guest and allows him to set the direction of their conversation.
The main purpose of the interview is to learn new and relevant: facts, opinions, forecasts. The more fresh interesting information becomes known during the conversation, the more successful it can be considered.
The interviewer must be honest with his audience and himself: excessive tact and the desire to avoid embarrassing questions are not the qualities that will help make a career in this field.
One of the most insightful and intelligent people in journalism, Robin Day, shared his code of ethics for interviews. In it, he clearly articulated the unspoken rules of his profession.
1) You can’t deceive your audience and follow the employer’s lead,channel or publication guides that ask you to deliberately avoid sharp questions that are of interest to everyone.
2) The journalist should honestly outline to the interviewee the general scope of the conversation and mention the topics that will be covered.
3) Despite the tight time frame of the TV show, it is necessary to give the guest a chance to express his/her opinion without taking the words out of context.
4) Do not use professional tricks to embarrass or "set" guests.
5) A serious weapon is in the hands of a journalist: public opinion. They should not be abused, imposing their own attitude and understanding of the issue. It is necessary to strive to ensure that each interview leaves the viewer room for his personal judgments.
