MCOM 210 Intro. to Media Writing - Interviewing Class Notes

Interviewing Notes from 2-2-2000
Interviewing
Grammar and AP
Every class session we will go over a common problem in grammar and AP. The grammar examples are things not normally caught by a spell-checker. Write these down, you will be tested on them.

Grammar: who's/whose

who's
Example:

whose
Example:
AP: Punctuating Quotations (see AP section, Chapter 10 and WB p. 51)

Guidelines for Punctuating Quotations
A direct quote is:

An indirect quote is:

1. Attribution at the end of a direct quote must be set off with punctuation, generally a comma.
"I would like to see our foundation develop at a more rapid pace," Bennett said.
2. Attribution at the beginning of an indirect quote is not set off with punctuation.
Bennett said the school system has to develop more sources of private funding.
3. Quotations within a direct quote are set off with single quotation marks.
"He said, 'Go ahead and throw it away, just like you have done every game,' and he walked out," Smith said.
4. Commas and periods go inside quotation marks in direct quotes.
"That's what I've been saying all along," Homstad said. "You must put commas or periods inside the quotation marks of direct quotes."

Introduction

Interviews will be the main way you will obtain information for your stories. Conducting interviews are more than just casual conversations. It takes practice and it takes skill. It also takes good listening skills.

Four Functions of Mass Media: There are different theories, but this is the theory we'll use.

Inform

Educate

Entertain

Persuade

Preparing for the Interview

Conduct Background Research
Identify Your Goals
Plan Your Questions
- Prepare a list of all possible questions
- Decide how you'll handle "off the record"
Request the Interview

Conducting the Interview

Begin With An Introduction and Ice Breaker
Ask Questions and Listen to Responses
Control the Interview
Wrap-up

General Tips

Watch Your Body Language
Dress Appropriately
Arrive on Time
Recording the Interview -- Ask
Be a Good Listener

Pros/Cons of Live vs. Phone/Email Interviews

Live
- Easier to press the point
- Can observe non-verbal behaviors
- Requires more time
- May be difficult to schedule a time
Phone or Email
- Saves time
- Best for short pieces of information
- Easy for source to side step or not answer
- Easy exit for source

General Quotation Guidelines

Don't make up quotes!
Set-up situations before using the quote. (Why is the person saying that quote?)
Use attribution in the middle of sentences only if it occurs at a natural break. (see example #4 in AP section)
Always use attribution for statements that use "hope," feel," or "believe."

** See WB p. 52 for more tips

Professor Name: Candace Homstad
Last Updated: 2/2/00
Published by North Dakota State University