E F F E C T I V E I N T E RV I E W S2ºA - MO NDAY 18T H MAY 2014

T H E I N T E RV I E W E R

• The aim of the interviewer is to find out information to present to the public about a particular issue; in this case, the debate surrounding the Amazon rainforest.

• He or she needs to ask questions that allow the interviewee to answer with their opinion and their point of view.

• The interviewer, or journalist, needs to appear impartial and unbiased.

In your pairs, think of some tips and suggestions for the interviewer

TASK

• Treat the interviewee with respect. A warm greeting is a good start. The interviewee deserves respect whether they are a president or a man or woman in the street.

• You are not the centre of attention. You are there to get the perspective of the interviewee, not give your own.

• The interview is a conversation. It is not a confrontation. You are not there to make the interviewee look stupid.

• Try to avoid looking at notes. If you look at your notes, the interviewee may be distracted. And it’s difficult for you to read and listen at the same time.

• Maintain eye contact at all times and keep your body language in check.

• Shorter questions are better than longer ones. Never ask more than one question at a time.

• Be sure of your facts. There’s nothing worse than being told you are wrong by an interviewee.

• At the end of the interview, no matter how difficult the interviewee has been, always say thank you

T H E I N T E RV I E W E E S

• The aim of each interviewee is to get their perspective across during the course of the interview

• You will need to state your position at the very start of the interview and maintain this throughout

• You will all also need to answer all the questions to the best of your ability and stick to the subject

• Remember, it is not an argument, but more of a way to get your views heard

T I P S F O R T H E I N T E RV I E W S

• Do not freeze up! Even if the question is difficult to answer, please try to do so the to the best of your ability

• Always give your opinion. The interviewer wants to know where you stand.

• Know all of your facts. It will support your opinion better if you know all of the facts.

• Answer all questions fully. There is nothing worse than answering “yes” or “no”. Expand on your answer and give your opinion

• Do most of the talking. The interviewer wants to hear what you think!

• Maintain eye contact at all times