Tips for Telephone Interviewing

Correspondents,
On today's call, a few people had questions about doing their interviews by telephone.

For your profile assignment you will be interviewing an activist from your community. Sometimes it is not possible for you to sit down face to face with the person you are interviewing, so the next best option is conducting an interview by phone.
(*Note: Email interviews should not be used.)

Here are some tips to help you conduct a successful telephone interview:

1. Set the time of the interview in advance to ensure both you and the person you are interviewing will be available.




2. Make sure you are in a quiet place where you have space to take proper notes.




3. Prepare your questions ahead of time and speak slowly when you are asking your questions.




4. Listen carefully and don't be afraid to ask her to repeat herself.




5. Take accurate notes to ensure you capture exactly the words and ideas your interview subject is trying to convey.




6. At the end of the interview, let her know that you may contact her again with any follow up questions.




7. Thank her for her time and offer to send her a link to your piece AFTER it has been published.

If you have any other questions you can send me a note via PulseWire (thepressinstitute) or Skype (pressinstitute)

Good luck and have a great interview!

Cristi