Journalist how-to

How to Conduct an Interview

Good interviews produce strong stories.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good interviews produce strong stories. In short: research; prepare; explain, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Research the source.

  2. Prepare questions.

  3. Explain ground rules.

  4. Ask open-ended questions.

  5. Listen and follow up.

  6. Confirm spellings and facts.

Safety reminders for journalists

  • Plan for safety when covering protests and disasters
  • Protect confidential sources
  • Verify information before publishing
  • Manage stress and trauma exposure

Beat · Lede · Nut graf · Source · Attribution · On the record: see the full journalist glossary.

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