CALLING ALL SOURCES
  
I just finished a feature story for a client that called for nine phone interviews! While 
my ear popped back into its normal shape, I came up with a tip list for conducting 
an effective phone interview.
  
1. Prepare questions. Even if I've done a similar piece before, I always jot down five 
to 10 questions to get the conversation rolling. It protects me from "brain freeze" 
and helps ready my mind for talking and thinking in the language of the article's 
subject.
  
2. "Is this still a good time?" Even if the talk time has been set up and confirmed 
for weeks, this is still my first question. If something pressing has come up for the 
interviewee, reschedule for when there will be fewer distractions. Trust me, it will 
save you time in the long run.
  
3. Ask the question and then listen to the answer. Once or twice, in an effort to 
be helpful, I found myself answering my own questions! Not recommended - it can 
intimidate interviewees and, believe it or not, may not be what they wanted to say. 
Instead, I take a lesson from television newscasters: pose the question and shut 
up.
  
4. Stay on track. If I find yourself taking a lot of notes for another story, I refer to 
the readied questions to get back on track. It's tempting to wander away from the 
subject - most people just plain love to talk - but I do have a job to do. After the 
interview, I make note of the other information that might be good fodder for a 
follow-up article. 
  
5. Summarize the big points. After an especially long answer, I repeat what the other person said in two or three sentences to make sure I have a clear understanding of 
the primary point.
    
© 2004 Donna Kozik. For information about Donna’s writing services, visit 
http://www.DonnaKozik.com.