The Conversation

How to open

start with who you are and why you're there

sit at an angle from your source

speak to a shared experience

"How about that assembly?"

"Did you see the play yesterday?"

ask to record the interview

Take notes regardless!

Best practices

Leave margin space
for your own outlying
thoughts and observations

develop a shorthand

capture key phrases...

And
at those
key
phrases,
note
the time
elapsed.

slow the pace!

(pauses are productive.)

So is silence.

check often for understanding

• "Can you please repeat that?"
• "So do I have it right that...?"
• "To clarify for the reader, then, ..."

Mark where you need further verification

Best practices

concentrate on what your source is saying now,

Listen for particulars

such as

reportable
FACTS

such as


JARGON


that
needs
translation

such as

lively
or
pithy

QUOTES

such as

elaboration

or

substantiation.

Be
quietly
neutral

yet responsive.

Your job is NOT
to assert your personality.

Your job is to Keep kicking the skateboard:

attentive reporters

• Make eye contact
• Reply "Mmm-hmm..."
• Nod when they get it
• Look confused when they don't
• Ask "Why is that?" or "How does that work?"

If you don't understand,
say so.

If you do understand,
still seek your source's own words.

cultivate curiosity

don't fear the tough question

Just
establish some
rapport

and then preface it

• "This might be hard for you…"
• "I apologize if this is a sensitive matter…"

or refer to others

• "Your opponent says… How would you respond? "
• "Tell me the story behind this report…"

Always offer redemption

• "What would you have done differently?"
• "Did you learn anything from that experience?"

do you have a story yet?

How to close

ask for summary

Check that you've covered all bases

Let your source finish

say Thank you!

Good job, Scoop.