Journal #10

Journal #10: In chapter 5, Interviewing techniques, the chapter starts out with a story of a rookie reporter Barabra Walsh almost losing her interview with convicted murderer William Horton. She almost lost the interview due to asking the wrong questions at the wrong time. As an interviewer, figuring out what questions you going to ask and wehn is very important, especially if your dealing with a serious topic or someone who may have a temper, such as a convicted murderer. Reading this chapter made me more aware of many different steps there are to properly interviewing and how it can also change for each interview. For example the part about sensitivity because in some circumstances you could be dealing with individuals who are used to the public and dont mind their words being heard but in other situations you may have to be more cautious about what you are publicizing. Something that I struggle with sometimes is listening, and this chapter gave a lot of tips on how to listen in an interview. One part that stuck out to me was the book saying to listen for what isn’t being said. To do that, be aware of what the interviewee is talking about and maybe also what they are avoiding. The book also said to keep a slower pace (if able to) so that you are able to process what’s being said and write it down if needed. It’s ok to ask basic questions and it’s also ok to repeat them, it’s your interview and you’re allowed to conduct it in the ways that you think will work best.