Broadcast Interviewing Techniques

The experience is awesome!










Your turn...

Some pointers from the expert:

Charlie Meyerson

...has delivered Chicago-area news for a long time -- including more than 10 years at the city's legendary progressive rock station, WXRT-FM 93.1; almost nine years at pioneering "smooth jazz" station WNUA-FM 95.5; and almost 11 years as senior producer and Daywatch columnist at chicagotribune.com.

Now he serves as news director at Chicago's premiere news/talk station, WGN-AM 720.

Meyerson, winner of dozens of journalism awards
-- including a national UPI award for investigative reporting
-- is NOT picking his nose in the photo above.

A Guide to Interview Techniques

Presented -- naturally -- in a question-and-answer format

By Charlie Meyerson
(Adapted from a 1997 presentation to students)

Q. How should I prepare for an interview?

A. Do your homework. Have an idea in advance what you hope to get out of the interview -- although good interviews often reveal things you didn't expect. Be ready to listen for answers that open your eyes to questions you hadn't planned to ask.

More here:

http://home.comcast.net/~cmeyerson/InterviewTechniques.html

Q. How about summarizing your most important points in a bulleted list?

A. I thought you'd never ask.

Know your material before you begin.

Write out the questions.

Record the interview, but take notes, too.

Avoid yes/no questions.

Save Big Questions for mid-to-late interview.

Understand the answers.

Call back if you need more information.