Table of Contents

Writing an Interview Level 6

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how journalists gather information from people? Writing an interview is a fantastic way to learn about others and share their stories. In this article, we will explore how to write an engaging interview, use direct and indirect quotes, and understand the importance of this skill in both academic and real-world contexts.

Definition and Concept

An interview is a conversation where one person asks questions, and another person provides answers. The aim is to gather information or insights about a specific topic or individual. In writing, interviews can be structured (with prepared questions) or unstructured (more conversational).

Relevance:

  • Enhances communication skills: Writing interviews helps improve your ability to ask questions and listen actively.
  • Real-world applications: Useful in journalism, research, and even everyday conversations.

Historical Context or Origin​

The practice of interviewing dates back centuries. Early forms can be found in ancient cultures where leaders would gather information from their subjects. In modern times, interviews became a key method in journalism, especially in the 20th century, as media evolved and the demand for firsthand accounts increased.

Understanding the Problem

To write an effective interview, you need to understand the subject and formulate questions that will elicit informative responses. Here’s how to approach it:
Example Scenario: You want to interview a local artist.

  • Research the artist’s background and work.
  • Prepare open-ended questions that encourage detailed answers.

    • Methods to Solve the Problem with different types of problems​

    Method 1: Preparing Questions

  • Start with general questions and then move to specific ones.
  • Use open-ended questions to encourage elaboration.

    • Example Questions:
    1. Can you describe your artistic journey?
    2. What inspires your work?

    Method 2: Conducting the Interview

  • Be attentive and take notes or record the conversation (with permission).
  • Follow up on interesting points to get more details.

    • Example Follow-Up:
    If the artist mentions a specific influence, ask, “How did that influence your style?”

    Method 3: Incorporating Quotes
    Use direct quotes for impactful statements and indirect quotes for summarizing.
    Example:
    Direct: The artist said, “Art is my way of expressing emotions.”
    Indirect: The artist expressed that art serves as a medium for emotional expression.

    Exceptions and Special Cases​

  • Misquoting: Always double-check quotes to ensure accuracy.
  • Bias: Be aware of your own biases and try to present a balanced view of the interviewee’s perspective.

    • Step-by-Step Practice​

    Practice Exercise: Conduct a mock interview with a classmate.

    Steps:

  • Choose a topic or individual to interview.
  • Prepare at least five open-ended questions.
  • Conduct the interview and take notes.
  • Write a summary of the interview including direct and indirect quotes.

    • Examples and Variations

    Example Interview Outline:

    • Interviewee: Local Chef
    • Questions:
      • What inspired you to become a chef?
      • Can you share a memorable cooking experience?

    Variation: Interview a family member about their childhood. Use similar questions but adapt them for personal stories.

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    Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

    • Asking leading questions that suggest a particular answer.
    • Failing to listen actively, which can lead to missing important details.
    • Neglecting to verify quotes or information.

    Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

    • Practice active listening to capture the essence of responses.
    • Keep questions flexible; be ready to explore new topics that arise.
    • Review and edit your written interview for clarity and flow.

    Real life application

    • Journalism: Conducting interviews to gather news stories.
    • Research: Collecting qualitative data through interviews.
    • Networking: Building connections with professionals through informal interviews.

    FAQ's

    Try to create a comfortable environment and ask gentle, open-ended questions to encourage them to share more.
    Yes! Just be polite and introduce yourself. Explain the purpose of the interview.
    Approach sensitive topics with care and respect. It’s okay to skip questions if the interviewee is uncomfortable.
    Yes, always ask for permission before recording to respect privacy.
    Use follow-up questions, show genuine interest, and maintain a conversational tone to keep the interview lively.

    Conclusion

    Writing an interview is a valuable skill that enhances your ability to communicate and understand others. By practicing the techniques discussed, you can create engaging and informative interviews that bring stories to life.

    References and Further Exploration

    • Book: “The Art of Interviewing” by John Smith.
    • Website: NPR’s Guide to Interviewing Techniques.

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