By Joe Hamelin
Press-Enterprise
- Always use a tape recorder. Explain to the subject, if need be, that no one will hear it but you.
- Take notes, too. Tape recorders sometimes malfunction.
- Do your homework. A subject will warm to you when realizing you’ve taken the trouble to be informed.
- If you can, find someplace quiet where you won’t be interrupted and steer the subject there.
- Save the tough questions for the latter part of the interview.
- Try not to ask questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.”
- Don’t be nervous. The athlete can’t hurt you. But you can hurt the athlete. He or she is the one who should be nervous, and probably is.
- If you are totally out of your element, ask for help. Admit that you normally cover softball and have never written a piece on rowing. Almost always, the subject will be only too happy to help.
- Try to have a “conversation” when possible, instead of just asking questions.
- Unless you have an agenda, have three to four questions prepared to get things rolling. Then follow where the subject wants to take you.
- If you are covering something unfamiliar with many possible interview subjects, pick the smartest, most experienced reporter in the room and follow him or her like a puppy dog. You’ll be led straight to the best interviews.
- Dress appropriately.
