How to Convince an Interview Subject to Appear On-Camera

Put your interviewees at ease with these helpful tips!

When working as a broadcast journalist, whether you are a producer or reporter, you will often encounter interview subjects who are afraid to appear on camera. This is especially true for people you are interviewing who are talking about sensitive and personal subjects. When you find the perfect interview, but the subject is wary of talking on camera, take a look at these tips to convince that person why they should.

Instructions

1. Make the person that you're interviewing feel comfortable. Let them know why it is important that they share their story with others. Explain how it will impact other people who are dealing with what they're discussing. Sometimes when people realize the importance of their story and that it will change a current policy, start an investigation or give others hope, they are more willing to talk on the record.

2. Talk to the person whom you're interviewing about your goal for the story. Are you trying to impact others or influence policies? Let your subject know that this is not "just a story" to you.

3. Tell the person your story if you have a personal story relating to the subject. Often when an interviewee sees that you're willing to share something personal, that person will find it easier to open up to you.

4. Pre-interview the person, whether it is a day before or minutes before the interview. Instead of rattling off questions, talk to your interviewee as if you're having a conversation with your best friend. Put your subject at ease. Use this technique during the interview as well, unless you are being shown on camera.

5. Offer the interviewee anonymity when all else fails. Offer to change her voice or black her out so that her identity will not be revealed.