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: Paperback / softback
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 your instincts and asking open-ended questions.
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 patient, listening carefully, and asking follow-up questions to clarify and explore the subject matter further. They also provide tips for avoiding common pitfalls, such as interrupting or being overly aggressive.
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 assessing the situation before entering it, being aware of your surroundings, and having a plan for emergencies. They also provide tips for dealing with difficult interviewees, such as those who are aggressive or defensive.
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 smartphones, tablets, and social media, to enhance the interview process. They provide tips for recording interviews, using social media to promote your work, and leveraging digital tools to reach a wider audience.
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 discuss the challenges of working in these fields and provide strategies for overcoming them.
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 advice and examples provided 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: 208g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032124063
Edition number: 3 ed