How to Interview Effectively at The Talon

Conducting interviews is a vital skill for journalism at The Talon. Strong interviews provide insightful quotes, credible sources, and engaging content for your articles. This guide will help you prepare, conduct, and transcribe effective interviews while following The Talon’s standards.

Step 1: Prepare for the Interview

Before conducting interviews, ensure you have a clear purpose and strategy.

✅ Choose Your Interviewees

Each article requires three different interviews, so select individuals relevant to your topic. Consider:

• Experts on the subject (teachers, professionals, administrators)

• Students with firsthand experience or opinions

• Club leaders, athletes, or event organizers if applicable

✅ Develop Your Questions

• Each interview must include at least 10 open-ended questions (30 total per article).

• Avoid yes/no questions—ask questions that encourage detailed responses.

• Examples:
  ❌ Did you enjoy the event? → ✅ What aspects of the event stood out to you?
  ❌ Do you think this policy is good? → ✅ How do you think this policy impacts students and staff?

✅ Schedule the Interview

• Contact your interviewees in advance and agree on a time and place.

• Let them know the purpose of the interview and how their responses will be used.

Step 2: Conduct the Interview

When the interview starts, establish a professional yet friendly atmosphere.

🔹 Set the Tone

• Introduce yourself and The Talon.

• Explain that the interview will be recorded and transcribed using the Otter AI app.

• Ask for permission before recording.

🔹 Ask Engaging Questions

• Follow your planned questions but allow the conversation to flow naturally.

• If an interviewee shares an interesting point, ask follow-up questions to get more details.

🔹 Take Notes While Recording

• Although Otter AI will transcribe the conversation, jot down key points in case of technical issues.

• Mark any standout quotes you might use in your article.

Step 3: Review and Transcribe the Interview

✅ Use Otter AI for Transcription

• Upload your recording to Otter AI and let it generate a transcript. (REQUIRED)

• Read through the transcript carefully and correct any errors or misinterpretations. (Optional)

✅ Select the Best Quotes

• You must use one quote from each interview in your article (three total).

• Choose insightful, relevant, and clear statements that strengthen your story.

Example:
❌ “Yeah, I guess the event was fun. I liked it.” (Too vague)
✅ “The event brought students together in a way we haven’t seen before, and I think it created a real sense of community.” (Strong, meaningful quote)

Step 4: Incorporate Quotes into Your Article

• Blend quotes naturally into your writing instead of forcing them in.

• Introduce the speaker before or after the quote.

Example:
✅ "According to Mr. Johnson, the new policy 'will help students manage their workload more effectively while preparing for exams.'"

❌ Avoid dumping quotes without context:
"The new policy will help students," Mr. Johnson said.

Step 5: Verify and Finalize

• Double-check spelling of names, titles, and quotes.

• Make sure all three required interviews are included in your article.

• Review Otter AI transcripts for accuracy before final submission.

By following these steps, you’ll conduct professional and insightful interviews that enhance your journalism at The Talon. Happy interviewing!