Mass Communication and Journalism: Journalism Practice and News Writing - Interviewing Techniques Openended questions active listening recording

What It Is

Interviewing techniques are a crucial aspect of media communication, involving the art of gathering information through open-ended questions, active listening, and recording. A notable example is the famous interview between Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy in 1954, which showcased the power of open-ended questioning in exposing the senator's tactics. This matters for media analysis as it highlights the importance of using effective interviewing techniques to gather accurate information and hold public figures accountable.

Key Terms & Concepts

• Open-ended questions: Questions that encourage the interviewee to provide detailed, in-depth responses, rather than simple yes or no answers. Example: "Can you describe your experience with the project?" encourages a more detailed response than "Did you enjoy the project?"
• Active listening: The practice of fully concentrating on and comprehending the message being communicated by the interviewee. Example: A journalist who asks follow-up questions to clarify the interviewee's response is demonstrating active listening.
• Recording: The act of capturing an interview through audio or video means. Example: A journalist who records an interview with a witness to a crime is able to provide a more accurate account of the events.
• Probing questions: Questions that delve deeper into a topic to gather more information. Example: "Can you elaborate on that?" is a probing question that encourages the interviewee to provide more detail.
• Reflective listening: The practice of paraphrasing or summarizing the interviewee's response to ensure understanding. Example: "Just to make sure I understand, you're saying that...?" is a reflective listening technique.
• Nonverbal cues: Facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice that can convey meaning and influence the interview. Example: A journalist who maintains eye contact with the interviewee is using nonverbal cues to show engagement and interest.
• Interviewee-centered approach: An approach that prioritizes the interviewee's needs and comfort level. Example: A journalist who asks sensitive questions in a gentle and respectful manner is using an interviewee-centered approach.
• Interviewer-centered approach: An approach that prioritizes the journalist's goals and needs. Example: A journalist who uses aggressive questioning to get a scoop is using an interviewer-centered approach.
• The Kepner-Tregoe method: A structured approach to interviewing that involves asking a series of questions to gather information. Example: A journalist who uses the Kepner-Tregoe method to gather information for a profile piece is using a systematic approach.
• The Flesch-Kincaid readability test: A method for measuring the complexity of written language. Example: A journalist who uses the Flesch-Kincaid readability test to ensure their writing is accessible to a wide audience is using a tool to measure readability.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: Open-ended questions are always better than closed-ended questions. Correction: While open-ended questions can be more effective in gathering information, closed-ended questions can be useful in certain situations, such as when trying to gather quantitative data.
• Misunderstanding: Active listening is the same as reflective listening. Correction: While both involve paying attention to the interviewee, active listening involves fully concentrating on the message, whereas reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing the response.
• Misunderstanding: Recording an interview is always necessary. Correction: While recording an interview can be useful in providing a more accurate account of the events, it is not always necessary, and some interviewees may prefer not to be recorded.

Quick Application / Identification

Scenario: A journalist is conducting an interview with a witness to a crime and wants to gather more information about the events. Which of the following questions would be an example of a probing question?

A) "Did you see the perpetrator?" B) "Can you describe what you saw?" C) "Is that all you saw?"

Answer: B) "Can you describe what you saw?" is a probing question that encourages the witness to provide more detail.

Explanation: Probing questions are used to gather more information and encourage the interviewee to provide a more detailed response.

Last-Minute Revision

• The Kepner-Tregoe method involves asking a series of questions to gather information.
• The Flesch-Kincaid readability test measures the complexity of written language.
• Open-ended questions encourage the interviewee to provide detailed responses.
• Active listening involves fully concentrating on the message being communicated.
• Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing the response.
• Nonverbal cues can convey meaning and influence the interview.
• The interviewer-centered approach prioritizes the journalist's goals and needs.
• The interviewee-centered approach prioritizes the interviewee's needs and comfort level.
• Recording an interview is not always necessary.
• Closed-ended questions can be useful in certain situations.
• Active listening is not the same as reflective listening.
• Edward R. Murrow's interview with Senator Joseph McCarthy in 1954 showcased the power of open-ended questioning.
• The Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and minimizing harm.
• The American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of informed consent and confidentiality.