Interviewing Others

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InterviewingOthers
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Discussion Topics

• Why do we interview others
• Who do we interview
• Possible ways of interviewing others
• Before the Interview
• Materials to take with you to the interview
• During the Interview
• After the Interview

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Why we interview others

• For personal growth.
• To serve as a proxy for the audience.
• Remember Be Curious

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Who do we interview

• Everyone
• Almost all newspaper articles, sports reports,
  news reports have been a result of at least one
  interview.

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Possible ways to interview others

• In Person Required for this assignment
• By Phone
• My Mail (Traditional or Email)

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Before the Interview

• Pick the subject that you and your audience will
  be interested in. Then find the person that best
  will help you learn more about the subject.
• Examples What was life like in the depression,
  What are the latest styles of clothes, What is
  life like in a foreign country
• May not be able to interview the first subject so
  compromise. (I would love to know more about
  Oprah doubt I would ever get that interview.)

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BTI - Set it up in advance

• Contact the person you are wanting to interview
  and set up a good date, time and place. Remember
  you are taking up their time so it may not be the
  most convenient time for you.

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BTI Write Questions

• Types of Questions
• Duh these are questions you should already know
  the answer to do research ahead of time. DO NOT
  ASK THESE!!!
• Yes/No Stay away from these
• Open Ended A question that leaves room for
  answers.
• Follow Up Questions A question that follows a
  train of thought. These usually can not be
  written in advance be ready
• Leading Question - A question that hints at the
  answer
• Remember - BE CURIOUS

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BTI

• Practice your questions
• LOTS

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Materials to take with you

• Several writing utensils
• Journal for note taking
• Camera, Recoding or Video Equipment
• Your set of questions neatly written out in
  some order and space between the questions to
  write answers.
• Requirements from boss, teacher etc
• Permission forms / Signature Sheet
• Interview Checklist
• BE ORGANIZED

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Right before the Interview

• Dress Appropriately
• Check for stuff in teeth
• Check for bad breath
• Make sure you have directions and know how to get
  to the interview
• BE ORGANIZED

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During the Interview

• NO GUM
• Be polite
• Begin with an ice breaker
• Ask your questions with confidence, clearly
  spoken, Watch uhs, ums, other verbalized pauses,
  as well as your own nonverbal bad habits.
• Be sure to take good notes
• Go over check list and get forms signed.
• Be sure and thank the person for their time.

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After The Interview

• Immediately write the report, story etc.
• If there is anything you still dont understand
  try to get back in touch with the person
• Write a thank you note to the person, send them a
  copy of your speech or presentation.