Over at my personal blog I was musing on my recent proliferation of in-person interviews, and realized that they have certainly got a lot easier since the beginning of my freelance writing career.
See, I think that many of us writers are under the impression that we can hang out in our comfy home offices and be hermits -- isn't that the "the writer's life"? But, it's not. Editors call you up, and rudely demand that you put on slacks and go out into the world to ... gasp ... talk to others! (Just kidding about that slacks part- I swear I'm dressed here).
At first it's hard. You have to talk to the upper echelons of companies, or to marketing people, or to random people who are very important for ----- reason. You have to ask them questions and cross your fingers that you're going to leave with some good quotes (and without making a fool of yourself in some way).
But, after going through this a couple times, you start to realize a couple of things, and it all gets easier:
1) These people like to talk.
2) Subjects are generally pretty good at the interview thing; they want to get their message out.
3) Sometimes they're just as nervous as you are.
4) Somehow, you stopped being nervous!
I have tips for writers conducting interviews for magazines and newspapers. Would you kindly share your tips with your fellow writers in the comments?
I have about a dozen standard questions that I recylce based on the content at hand. It makes it convenient for myself, and more importantly the interviewee, as it has become second nature to me and takes no more than ten minutes out of their day. Also – always follow up with a thank you note – great to keep in touch with valuable sources as you can quote them in future pieces.
I love in-person interviews. You can get SO much more information about a person just by meeting him or observing her. There are actually a lot of questions you don’t have to ask because you actually get to see what you need to see.
As for tips for people a little nervous with in-person interviews, I’d have to say these are the things I think are most important:
1. Like you would for any interview, make sure you are prepared beforehand. Read up on the person or find out as much as you possibly can beforehand.
2. Jot down a few questions that you want to make sure you don’t forget to ask. You can always ask additional questions, of course, and you probably will think of some as a result of the conversation, but at least you’ll have a few things to get you going–or to keep you on track.
3. Don’t be afraid to let the person wander off topic for a little while; sometimes you get GREAT material that way. Plus, it usually loosens the person up a little, too. You can always steer the conversation back on track when you need to.
4. And don’t be afraid to redirect the conversation when you need to.
5. Unlike Tara Lynn (above), I don’t think an in-person interview should be a quickie. Save those for the follow-up phone calls. Let the person talk a little and get comfortable with you. It may take some time, but it will be worth it. You can always call them later if you need to clarify a detail.
In response to Jennifer, and to clarify, my comment was regarding a phone interview (I should have noted this!). I agree on JL’s in-person tips – very helpful!
What a great thread! I just hung up the phone from an interview and realize that it’s not the same as an in-person interview but some of what’s already been well said applies.
People do like to talk. When you’re with a talker, just let them go….
But talking with some people is like, well, like pulling teeth. I’ve found it easier to “pull teeth” in person than over the phone. There’s something about the personal engagement that helps a lot.
My problem is not the in-person interview, but how to be sure I’ve captured the essence of what’s been said. I’d be curious to learn how other writers do this. I use a small tape recorder but am always worried that the batteries will die (I use fresh ones on every interview, but worry anyway), that the machine will just break (for no reason) and that the tape will disintegrate (not).
I might be off topic here…. sorry!
One thing I have discovered is that at in-person interviews some of the best information comes when you are packing up to leave or otherwise indicated that the interview is coming to an end. Some of my best quotes or insights have come in these moments, so I now try to be extra mindful of that transition.