How to Conduct an Interview for a Magazine Article

Interviewing people effectively and efficiently is key to creating a great magazine article.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Telephone with head set

1. Call your source and clearly identify yourself. Sstate what the article is about and how long the interview will take. Most interviews should be able to be completed within 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Ask your source to spell their name. It's good to start with this so you don't forget to ask.

3. Start by asking the source for any background information you may need for the article.

4. Be conversational. Help the source to feel that you are interested in what they have to say.

5. Finish the interview by asking your source if there is anything they want to add that you didn't ask about. Often the source will reveal important details that you may not have thought to ask about.

6. Thank your source and let them know when the article will appear in the magazine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are looking for other people to interview, ask your source for help. Most likely they will be glad to offer suggestions.
• Listen to what your interview is saying. Often reporters are thinking of their next question without really thinking about what the source is saying.