How to Conduct an Ambush Interview

Conducting an ambush Interview is often the only way to get a reluctant person to talk to a reporter. If an ambush interview is being contemplated, the subject has already ignored or declined offers to be interviewed. That person is usually the subject of the story, so an interview is an essential element. Ambush interviews are different from regular interviews. They are also inherently confrontational and potentially dangerous. Caution is warranted. Follow these steps to learn how to conduct an ambush interview.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Study the habits of the person you are trying to ambush with an interview. Find out when he arrives at work and when he leaves. Measure how far the walk is from his car to the front door. Try to figure out the best spot to spring the ambush interview. It should be a place where the interview can't get away easily and must walk with you long enough to ask your questions. Whenever possible, avoid his home or anywhere children might be present.

2. Know what questions you will ask in your ambush interview. You won't have time to think about your questions. You must fire them off one after another without delay. Think hard about the wording of your questions. Don't ask "Why did you do it?" That presumes you think she did something. Instead, ask questions starting with "Is it true that..." or "What do you have to say about...?"

3. Understand that it is likely the person being ambushed won't say anything. However, that's not the point. An ambush interview is designed to get a reaction from someone who doesn't want to give it to you. Having images and sound of that person refusing to answer questions shows that you gave her an opportunity to respond. You achieve your objective even if she doesn't say anything.

4. Take plenty of people with you. Ambush interviews can turn ugly if the person you ambush is violent. Having extra people standing around can discourage him from doing anything crazy. You will also have witnesses if something does go wrong. If the ambush interview is for television, take at least two camera crews. One should be walking backward with the reporter and subject framed together. The other camera should be shooting wide from the side.

5. Lay in wait and spring your ambush interview. When you do, rattle off your questions one after another. The person being ambushed will either answer you or try to evade you. Follow until you can't follow anymore. Be sure everyone knows her job and that the photographers keep shooting until the ambush is over. Also make sure your microphone is on.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes people being ambushed with an interview get violent. If she touches you or the camera, tell her clearly that she should stop. If she continues, call the police. If you have two cameras at the ambush interview, you will have a record of everything that happens. This will come in handy if you end up in court.

• Always remember that you must obey the law at all times during an ambush interview. Only do it on public property. Never block her path or detain her. Do not touch her. There is no law against walking next to someone asking her questions. That is all you are doing in an ambush interview.

Resources

• Television News Anchor
• I Want Them Fired