Crafting effective interview questions is a cornerstone skill for any journalist. Whether you’re preparing for a hard-hitting investigative piece, a feature profile, or a quick news update, the right questions can draw out compelling stories, critical facts, and unique perspectives. This guide walks you through the process of developing thoughtful, targeted interview questions for journalism, helping you achieve deeper insights and more engaging narratives. Before you begin, it’s important to understand your interview’s context, purpose, and audience, and to gather background research on your subject. Let’s break down how to prepare, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to adjust when things go off track.
What You’ll Need
- Notebook or digital device for notes
- Recording equipment (audio/video recorder, smartphone, or app)
- Background research on your subject/interviewee
- Assignment brief or context for the interview
- List of preliminary questions
- Consent forms if required (for recorded or sensitive interviews)
Step-by-Step
- Clarify the Interview’s Purpose
Identify why you’re conducting the interview. Are you seeking expert analysis, a personal story, an eyewitness account, or a reaction to recent events? Knowing your goal will guide the tone and depth of your questions. - Research Your Subject Thoroughly
Gather as much information as possible about the interviewee and the subject matter. This includes previous interviews, published work, social media, and any relevant background. Good research helps you avoid redundant questions and allows you to ask more insightful follow-ups. - Define Your Audience
Consider who will read, listen to, or watch your finished piece. Tailor your questions to elicit responses relevant and interesting to that audience. For example, local news audiences may want community impact, while trade publication readers may want technical expertise. - Draft a Mix of Question Types
Prepare a balanced list of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Open-ended questions (“How did that make you feel?” or “Can you describe what happened?”) encourage storytelling and elaboration. Closed-ended questions (“Did you attend the meeting?” or “Was the policy approved?”) help confirm facts and details. - Organize Questions Logically
Arrange your questions in a logical flow. Start with easy, non-threatening questions to build rapport. Progress to the core topics, saving the toughest or most sensitive questions for later, once trust is established. - Prioritize Key Questions
Highlight your must-ask questions. If time runs short or the conversation veers off course, ensure you get the essential information you need. Some journalists mark these with a star or underline them on their list. - Prepare Follow-Up Prompts
Anticipate areas where you may need clarification or deeper detail. Prepare prompts like “Can you elaborate?”, “What happened next?”, or “Why do you think that is?” These help probe beyond surface answers. - Review for Bias and Leading Language
Check your questions for any wording that may unintentionally suggest an answer or reveal your own opinion. Strive for neutrality, especially in news or investigative reporting. - Test Your Questions
Read your questions aloud or role-play with a colleague. This helps spot confusing phrasing or overly complex questions, and ensures your list flows conversationally. - Be Ready to Adapt
During the interview, listen actively and be prepared to abandon your script if the conversation takes an unexpected but valuable turn. Great journalism often comes from spontaneous, responsive questioning.
Common Mistakes
- Asking Double-Barreled Questions: Questions that ask two things at once (“How did you feel about the decision and what did you do next?”) can confuse interviewees and yield incomplete answers.
- Using Leading or Biased Language: Questions that suggest a “correct” answer or reveal your own assumptions (“Don’t you think this policy is unfair?”) reduce objectivity and may influence responses.
- Failing to Research: Approaching an interview without adequate background can lead to missed opportunities, redundant questions, or embarrassing gaps in understanding.
- Interrupting or Not Listening: Sticking rigidly to your list and not listening to the interviewee’s answers can cause you to miss follow-up opportunities or important story angles.
- Overloading with Questions: Bombarding the interviewee with too many questions at once can be overwhelming and prevent meaningful responses.
- Neglecting Consent or Ground Rules: Failing to clarify whether the interview is on or off the record, or not obtaining necessary permissions, can lead to ethical or legal issues.
Tips
- Start Simple: Begin with background or “warm-up” questions to help the interviewee feel comfortable.
- Use Silence: Don’t be afraid of pauses. Interviewees often fill silence with more thoughtful or revealing responses.
- Follow the Conversation: Be ready to pursue unexpected or interesting tangents. Some of the best quotes and insights are unplanned.
- Be Respectful: Especially with sensitive topics, phrase questions tactfully and respect boundaries.
- Record Responsibly: Always ask permission before recording, and ensure your equipment is working properly before you start.
- End with an Open Invitation: Ask “Is there anything you’d like to add?” This gives interviewees a chance to share something important you may not have thought to ask.
- Thank Your Interviewee: Express gratitude for their time and openness. This helps maintain good relationships for future reporting.
- Review and Reflect: After the interview, review your questions and answers. Note what worked well and what could be improved for next time.
Troubleshooting
- The Interviewee Gives Yes/No Answers Only: Try rephrasing questions to be more open-ended. Instead of “Did you like the event?”, ask “What was your experience at the event like?” If the subject remains terse, gently prompt with “Can you tell me more about that?”
- The Interviewee Avoids Key Questions: If someone dodges a question, try approaching the topic from a different angle or return to it later in the conversation. Respect boundaries, but if the answer is vital, politely explain why it matters to your story.
- The Conversation Goes Off Topic: While digressions can yield great material, if the interview is straying too far, gently steer it back by referencing your main questions: “That’s interesting. To return to…”
- You Run Out of Time: Prioritize your essential questions early in the interview. If you have to cut short, ask if you can follow up by phone or email.
- Technical Issues with Recording: Always take notes by hand as a backup. If a recording fails, immediately jot down as much as you can remember and clarify with the interviewee if possible.
- Interviewee Is Nervous or Defensive: Build rapport with small talk, reassure them about the interview’s purpose, and avoid rapid-fire or confrontational questions. Sometimes, sharing your own background or process can help put them at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some good opening questions for an interview?
- Start with easy, factual questions like “Can you tell me about your role?” or “How did you get involved with this?” to help the interviewee relax.
- How many questions should I prepare for an interview?
- Prepare more questions than you think you’ll need—usually 10-15 for a typical 30-minute interview—but be flexible and ready to skip or add questions as needed.
- Should I share my questions with the interviewee in advance?
- This depends on the situation. For sensitive or technical topics, sharing broad themes can help the interviewee prepare. For accountability journalism, it’s often best not to share specifics to ensure spontaneous, candid answers.
- What if my interviewee refuses to answer a question?
- Respect their decision, but you can try to rephrase the question or revisit it later. Always maintain professionalism and consider explaining why the question is important to your story.
- How can I avoid biased questions?
- Review your questions for neutrality. Avoid loaded language, assumptions, or phrasing that suggests a particular answer. Ask a colleague to review your list if unsure.
- Is it okay to go off-script during an interview?
- Absolutely. Some of the best interviews happen when you respond to what’s being said rather than sticking rigidly to your prepared list. Use your questions as a guide, not a script.
Developing effective interview questions is both an art and a science. With careful preparation, active listening, and a willingness to adapt, you can unlock stories and insights that resonate with your audience and elevate your journalism.
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Interview Questions for Journalism: Expert Guide to Crafting Great Qs