INTERVIEW PREPARATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the preparatory considerations of radio and television interviews.

The preparation considerations for radio and television interviews are similar. Whether you are assigned an interview or tasked to develop the program yourself, thorough planning is essential.

In this section, we cover the following four basic interview planning steps: l Arranging the interview . Researching the subject . Formulating questions l Arranging transportation

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW

Before you arrange an interview, make sure the potential interviewee is an expert on the subject. Just because Ens. Isobar works in the weather office does not mean she knows the most about hurricanes and tornadoes.

Once you know who you want to interview, call that person and identify yourself by name, rank and office. Tell him what subject(s) you want to cover and suggest a time, date and location.

End the conversation by recapping the arrangements agreed upon. If the interview is more than a day away, contact him a few hours in advance to confirm the arrangements.

RESEARCHING THE SUBJECT

By this time, you should know the important role research plays in interviewing. Your audience expects you to be knowledgeable and the interviewee expects you to know about him or the topic of the interview. The more you know, the better will be your questions. In fact, it is a good idea for you to go into an interview knowing all the answers to the questions you will ask

The following are some tips to help you research your subject:

l Check with the appropriate public affairs office for a biography or fact sheet if the story involves military equipment, a distinguished visitor or key officer. Also look for guidance regarding topics that might be sensitive in nature.

l Gather useful background materials at the library (magazine or newspaper articles, encyclopedias, reference books, technical manuals, etc.).

l Know where and how to find the point of contact for the subject.

l Seek local expertise at the appropriate agency and talk to these people about the subject or topic of your interview. (This adds depth and background to the program.)

Let your research material guide the interview, not control it. While conducting the interview, remember that you represent the audience who does not have the facts you have.

FORMULATING QUESTIONS

The key to a good interview is your asking clear, concise questions. Determine the focus of your interview and formulate your questions around a primary idea. Be prepared to leave yourself open to new information you may not have known. You might have to switch your focus or incorporate new information into your final product.

Different types of interviews have unique approaches with varying question types. The length of time you have also determines the questions you can ask. If you have ample time, you can discuss the topic at length. On the other hand, if time is at a premium, word your questions to get to the point quickly.

Keep the following suggestions in mind when you formulate your inteview questions:

l Ask open-ended questions - questions that cannot be answered with only a "yes" or "no" reply. For example, if you are interviewing the head coach of a football team, you would ask "Describe your team's attitude for today's game," instead of, "Is your team up for today's game?" If you must ask a question that is answered by yes or no, ask the interviewee to explain his answers in more detail. Further, by using the five Ws and H as the first word in your question, you assure yourself of more than a yes or no reply.

l Be simple and direct. Do not beat around the bush in asking a question or by asking multiple questions. This only confuses the interviewee and your audience.

l "Off-the-record" conversations are exactly that - off-the-record. Do not ask questions previously discussed in confidence during the interview.

l Avoid asking trite questions. For example: "Today our guest is Senator Spike Moss, Republican from Hawaii. How are you today?'

l Do not ask your guest embarrassing or antagonistic questions. For example: "Coach, you gave your catcher the steal sign with two outs and your team down by seven runs. He was thrown out easily at second base. This violates a basic baseball strategy even a 5-year-old would understand. Why did you do it?'

l Avoid using military jargon. If you must use jargon or acronyms, explain them. Do not assume your audience knows the topic as well as you and the interviewee know it.

l Do not comment on responses in trite ways or act surprised. For example: "I agree" or "You don't say!"

l Use questions that will interest your audience. Ask yourself what it is they would like to know from the subject.

l Prepare more questions than you think you will need. This will ensure the best possible coverage of the topic.

ARRANGING TRANSPORTATION

"You can't get there from here." That is exactly what will happen if you do not plan your transportation requirements early. The availability of transportation varies from command to command. Regardless of whether your unit has its own vehicle or you rely on a motor pool, advance coordination is necessary. In some cases, the organization you are assigned to cover may provide transportation. However, you should not depend on it. Getting to the interview site is your responsibility.