INTERVIEW METHODS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the most common interview methods.

What method should you use to conduct an interview? The answer depends on the subject, time, place and other intangibles that make each interview different.

In most circumstances, you will use one of the following three interview methods to get the required information for your program:

l Scripted

l Semi-scripted

c Ad-lib

SCRIPTED

In the scripted interview, all the questions and answers are prepared in advance and the interviewee(s) simply read(s) the prepared text.

While certain high-ranking officers and officials involved in sensitive or security areas may prefer this method, the scripted interview must not sound like it is being read. If it does, then the program becomes stilted and the conversational aspect of the interview is lost. Likewise, listeners or viewers will lose interest and tune out the message you are trying to deliver.

Unless security or policy concerns dictate the use of the scripted interview, you should avoid it.

SEMI-SCRIPTED

The semi-scripted interview method is the best for most interviews. With this interview, the interviewer researches the subject and interviewee, discusses possible questions in advance and perhaps even rehearses the interview. This method provides an excellent balance between the ad-lib (covered next) and the fully scripted methods and is personal, yet focused.

AD-LIB

While all interviews should be conversational, the ad-lib method can carry this to the extreme. The unprepared atmosphere of the "just sit down and start talking" method can cause stuttering, repeated questions or answers, off-the-subject discussions, long pauses and security or propriety violations. For these reasons, you must be focused when you use the ad-lib interview method.

Areas where the ad-lib method can be used include occasions of spontaneous news, such as on-the-scene reports and other "live" topics of interest.