Interviewing: A Guide for Journalists and Professional Writers

Sedorkin and Forbes' "The Art of Interviewing" is a comprehensive guide to interviewing, covering preparation, types of interviews, techniques, safety, and digital tools. It includes checklists, tips, and examples from leading journalists and PR specialists, and is updated to include global examples and case studies. It is an essential resource for students and professionals in journalism, PR, and professional writing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive guide to interviewing is a valuable resource for journalists and PR specialists, covering basic to advanced techniques. Sedorkin and Forbes offer a step-by-step overview of managing the interview process, including best practices for preparation, differences between news and feature interviews, techniques for breaking the ice and navigating sensitive topics, tips on safety, and the use of digital tools. The third edition expands its scope to include public relations and professional writing, with new global examples and case studies. Additional pedagogical features such as end-of-chapter exercises, checklists, videos, and top tips enhance learning. Whether you are a student or a professional in journalism or PR, this book is essential for developing the skills required to excel in interviewing and producing media materials.

Introduction:
Interviewing is a crucial skill for journalists and PR professionals, as it allows them to gather information and insights from sources. Whether it's for a news article, a feature story, or a public relations campaign, effective interviewing can make or break a piece of content. In this comprehensive guide, Sedorkin and Forbes provide a step-by-step overview of the interview process, covering everything from preparation to execution.
Preparation:
One of the most important aspects of interviewing is preparation. Sedorkin and Forbes offer best practices for preparing for an interview, including how to research the subject matter, identify key questions, and develop a strategy for the interview. They also discuss what to do when you don't have enough time to prepare, such as relying on secondary sources or conducting a quick phone interview.
Differences between News and Feature Interviews:
News and feature interviews differ in terms of format, tone, and purpose. Sedorkin and Forbes explain the differences between these two types of interviews and provide tips for navigating each one effectively. They also discuss the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring your approach accordingly.
Breaking the Ice and Navigating Tricky Topics:
Breaking the ice and navigating tricky topics can be challenging, but Sedorkin and Forbes offer techniques for doing so effectively. They discuss the importance of being open-minded, listening carefully, and asking follow-up questions to clarify and deepen the conversation. They also provide examples of how to handle sensitive topics, such as race, gender, and religion, with sensitivity and respect.
Tips on Staying Safe:
Working in dangerous situations can be risky, and Sedorkin and Forbes provide tips for staying safe while conducting interviews. They discuss the importance of being aware of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, and having a backup plan in case of emergency. They also provide examples of how to handle confrontations or threats effectively.
Utilizing Digital Tools:
In today's digital age, digital tools are essential for conducting interviews. Sedorkin and Forbes discuss the best ways to utilize digital tools, such as social media, email, and video conferencing, to enhance the interview process. They also provide examples of how to use these tools to reach a wider audience and promote your content.
Public Relations and Professional Writing:
Public relations and professional writing require the interviewing skills of journalists to produce materials for the media. Sedorkin and Forbes discuss the importance of these disciplines and provide tips for incorporating interviewing skills into your work. They also provide examples of how to interview experts and professionals to gather valuable insights.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide to interviewing is a valuable resource for journalists and PR professionals. It provides a step-by-step overview of the interview process, covering preparation, differences between news and feature interviews, breaking the ice and navigating tricky topics, tips on staying safe, utilizing digital tools, public relations and professional writing, and more. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this book, you can improve your interviewing skills and produce high-quality content that engages your audience. Whether you are a student or a professional, this guide is an essential tool for your career.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032124049
Edition number: 3 ed