How+To+Write+an+Interview

=How to Write an Interview=

Magazines and newspapers often feature interviews with celebrities or athletes, experts in a field of study, or other people related in some way to a particular topic. Interviews are a great way to gain some information and insight, as well as an alternate perspective on an issue. When formulating your interview, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a person to interview.
This person should somehow be related to your magazine topic, and be well known by members of your target audience.

Step 2: Collect background information.
Before attempting to interview anyone on a topic, you must understand the topic. Doing some background research will enhance your interview.

Step 3: Briefly introduce the person you are interviewing.
In one short paragraph, explain who you are interviewing (name, occupation, etc.) and what kind of information you are hoping to obtain throughout the interview. For example: "This week, Movie Reel Magazine interviewed Miley Cyrus, acting and singing sensation, to ask her about her upcoming film Hannah Montana. She told us about the challenges of balancing her booming career with her social life, and silly pranks her co-stars played on each other on the set."

Step 4: Brainstorm questions to ask.
Make sure that the questions you ask are open-ended; that is, they require more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer. It is important that you give your interviewee a chance to speak. Don't ask: "Is exercise good for a person?" The answer will be a simple yes. Instead ask: "What benefits can a person get from exercise?"

Step 5: Be alert to the answers your receive.
It is important to pay attention during the interview. Often answers you receive will lead to more questions.

Step 6: Seek clarification.
If you are not sure about an answer, politely ask for clarification.

Step 7: Accurately record the responses.
It is important to accurately record the answers that your interviewee gives during the interview so that you don't misquote them in your article. You may ask your interviewee if you can record their responses so that you can refer back to the interview when writing the article.

Step 8: Use exact words in your article.
When you want to quote the person, be sure to use his or her exact words. In your piece, put those words in quotation marks.