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Interviewing -The Art of Paying Attention
by Christina Walcoff

I'm embarrassed to remember how long it took to realize that "interview" meant they're talking to me. I thought I was pretty important with my press pass - very useful for finding a place to park around the Novato Community Playhouse - my nifty new notebook (lovely leather number, impossible to lay flat) and of course, my job as reporter for the local paper.

When I ventured forth on my first review of the play "Damn Yankees" I was led down to a very important center aisle seat. I was only a bit disappointed to discover that no one on stage was older than 16, but hey, we all start somewhere.

Backstage, after the show, stagehands were still putting away props and costumes when I was introduced to the director. I wanted to show her how qualified I was and rattled off Broadway shows - including one I'd actually been to - and tried to comfort her for wasting her talent 1. in this small town and 2. with kid actors.

Had Marilyn Izdebski been less patient I would never have found out that she had been putting on these (really remarkable) kids productions for nearly 20 years, had a list of former students who went on to great careers on stage and in TV and films, and was herself an actress and dancer with international credits.

So. Feeling less important and much wiser, I would like to tell you some of what I've learned about interviewing. Whoever you're talking to, whatever the subject, you need to win their trust before you'll get any real information.

How do I begin?

Act like a professional doing her job and you will be treated like one. Period.

From the moment you call to set up the interview you create an impression. People who are unfamiliar with media attention want to be reassured, comforted and feel safe knowing they're dealing with a pro. Experienced subjects relate the horrors of being misquoted or misunderstood. Just maintain professionalism "of course that won't happen" and make the appointment. Start now establishing an atmosphere of trust.

Tape or paper?

I had an old-school journalism professor who drilled self-reliance into me. I rarely use a tape recorder. I learned shorthand and I take quick unobtrusive notes during an interview. But here's one of the best tips I got from that crusty old newshound - and I've been sorry every time I didn't do it. Sit down immediately after the interview and write up your notes. Even if you've used a recorder, your impressions are fresh. And it's much easier to write the article a day or two later with these notes.

Where to meet?

Whenever you can, meet your subject in their home or office - our personal space reveals a lot about us. Danny Glover's trailer on-set is filled with pictures of family and friends. Michael Ami, a world famous artist, had twin boys when he was 65. His home was full of toys and joy - things he missed when his family was killed in the holocaust.

Getting the Keeper to Feed you

Relax into an interview and establish a comfort zone. A lot depends on asking the right questions. You can't know about everything, but if you know the right questions to ask, you're already ahead of many reporters. Lack of knowledge is not lack of interest. You have to convince the expert (your subject) to feed the ignorant beast (you.)

Bring a Map

Have some idea where you want the interview to go. Talk to your editor about ideas on a possible angle. You can't cover everything in one piece, but you can deeply delve into one area. Knowing your angle will help steer the conversation and get the information you need. But always be alert and ready to run with a surprise.

What do I ask?

Read some basic information about your interviewee and don't ask questions about anything that's been covered in their press material. It's included there to avoid those tired questions. And never, never ask "How do you feel...?" Can't you just see a vapid TV reporter with his microphone stuck in someone's face "So how did it feel to get shot Mr. President?" or "How did it feel to find your son murdered?" Though these are extreme - it's never a good question.

Everyone is unpredictable and what works one time may not work the next. If you lead off with a general question, expecting to gradually get more specific information and your subject answers in two words and stares at you, know how to try something else. Go for very specific questions instead.

I interviewed seven-year-old Taran Smith, a local boy who landed the role of youngest son on a new show called "Home Improvement." "How does it feel to be a star?" would have been useless. I asked how he liked Hollywood.....acting......was it exciting? Grunts. But he lit up when I asked what he had for lunch on the set. Was Tim Allen really as funny as he seems on TV? Did he get all A's in school? What did his friends say when they saw him on TV? Now I could really hear him.

When I spoke to Steve Young about what it was like to play with Joe Montana, I didn't realize there was a great deal of animosity between them. Steve flatly refused to comment. But when we started talking about the new home he was remodeling, he relaxed and we got to the football issues later.

Listen, listen, listen

Listen and show you're paying attention. Resist the temptation to talk about your experience in 7th grade acting class, but if you're a mother and so is your interviewee, mention it. If everything goes well, your questions should wind the subject up while you sit back and listen. But don't settle for generalities. You want quotes and anecdotes that give the reader a sense of your subject's personality. Often you'll hear that one golden anecdote that will set up your whole article - it just jumps right out at you. Write it down immediately after you leave - I've learned the hard way that I can and do forget.

Look Stupid Smarty Pants

Sometimes playing dumb is pretty smart. You'd be amazed how people will open up to someone who is honest and genuinely trying to understand. It's a much better position than desperately trying to hold on to your dignity and self-importance. Ask short, simple questions. Be curious.

Insatiably curious.

One Last Question

Another gem from that crusty journalism professor - always ask "Is there anything else you'd like to add? ...anything we didn't cover?" I've been surprised time and time again by amazing answers to this seemingly innocuous question. After a difficult interview with a woman who had just found out her 10 year old son had been molested for the past four years by their male babysitter, she added that she'd gotten a phone call from the district attorney's office in another state where the guy had been apprehended. Apparently hoping for leniency, the man was admitting to everything, including the fact that he had been employed by many other families during his years in our area. We ran a picture of the offender with the story and unfortunately located three other families who were unaware of the molestation their children were found to have endured.

One quick note:

Don't forget to ask if you can call them while you're writing the article if you have a question about anything you've talked about. This both assures them you're concerned with accuracy (What are the three most important things in journalism? Accuracy, accuracy and accuracy.) and gets you their promise of help you may well need.

And of course, you never, never, never agree to allow someone to see your article prior to publication. But of course you'd be happy to send a copy of the paper/magazine/article when it's published.

I'm OK - You're OK

I think it all comes down to this. Be real. Be yourself. I try to remember that we all feel like kids playing at being grownup sometimes. When you finally honor that little kid inside of you, then suddenly you spot children peering out from behind every suit and silk blouse. Men who are bombastic and self-important are often still trying to prove something to the bully who made fun of them in fifth grade. People are people, no matter what they do for a living.

See the little kid. Talk to the person like you'd talk to a Momwriter. If she's pretty, say so and watch her relax. Most women who are very attractive are terribly self-conscious and used to being snubbed by other women.

You know how to put other people at ease. Never think that someone "famous" or "important" doesn't have "normal" feelings. No one is ever worth more than you - and vice versa.

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