Story Structure:Inverted Pyramid
- Begin with simple questions.
- Confirming basic details.
- When writing notes in an interview be sure to periodically look at the interviewee and nod to show them you are attentive.
- Difficult Interviews
- How to deal with uncooperative interviewees when the say...
- "This must ve off the record"
- You don't have to go off the record retrospectively.
- Ask them why the want to be off the record.
- If the give good material, off the record, ask if some of the information an be put on record.
- If NOT ask if it cam be attributed to a source (company, organization, etc).
- "Promise me you wond report this"
- Be reluctant to make any promise.
- Tell them that if you do report material of their concern, it will be from another source.
- "Can I see you story before it is published?"
- BAD IDEA!
- Sometimes it is necessary to agree to som kind of disclosure of the story before it is published.
- It MUST be a signed contract.
- Otherwise be very reluctant to show the interviewee a copy before it is published.
- If they insist, let them ONLY verify their quotes, don't show them the full article.
- Interviewing for Features
- A "life in the day"
- The person is interviewed about their day, in describing if they reveal a good deal about themselves and their life.
- The day's events determine the story structure.
- Structure A General Feature
- Refer to the inverted pyramid as a guide.
- With a feature you can start your story at any point (sensably).
- Your inro's job in this case is to hook the reader.
- Ask yourself...
- Whats the most interesting thing?
- Whats the one thing you remember from the interview?
- What is the key point?
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