Out-Of-Class #1: More On, How Do I Interview?

In this post, we have a few more tips on how to interview and what to watch for in interviews. Off we go: 

THE NEW IMPROVED RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE ART OF INTERVIEWING

BY BRUCE SELCRAIG

1. WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT …? Has anyone ever gotten a good response to this all-time cliché query? Let’s call for a moratorium. Besides, it’s a yes or no question, which should be avoided if possible. Try to rephrase it with a “why” and you’ll likely get better responses.

2. PROMPT YOUR SUBJECT. If you ask an eight-year-old child what happened in school today, the answer is likely to be, “Nothing.” If, however, you prompt the child with, “Was your teacher kidnapped by the Taliban?” he or she may remember that indeed this occurred before lunch. Adult sources often need the same treatment. Don’t assume people remember everything or place the same significance on events that you do. Don’t just ask, “Did anything happen in the executive session?”

3. THE ARTFUL LIE. Good liars, most lawyers and many media-wise types have perfected the response that either answers a question you didn’t actually ask or conceals a larger lie. Question: “Senator, did the Tobacco Institute pay your way to Rio de Janeiro?” Answer: “It’s been my policy to never accept such junkets.” (Who asked about your policy? I want to know if you took the trip and who paid for it.)

4. THE FIRST CONFESSION. An admission of wrongdoing is a critical moment in any investigation, but be aware that the first admission is very often a lie, usually an understatement of the frequency or severity of the offense. “Yeah, I look a little money once, so what?” (He took plenty on a routine basis.)

5. THE TELEGRAPHED PASS. Many reporters preface their most sensitive questions with almost apologetic cream-puffery. “Sorry, but I’ve got to ask you this question … I know you’ve heard these allegations before, but … “ Don’t prepare them for hard questions. That moment of uncertainty on their part may tell you more than the answer itself. 

6. THE JOE THEISMANN SYNDROME. Many reporters, myself lamentably included, ask questions with half-lives greater than plutonium. Err on the side of brevity. Be concise. This may be one of the few things to be learned from television reporters – but, of course, don’t tell them this.

7. THE NERVOUS LIAR. Notice stress indicators like frequent crossing and uncrossing of legs, constant handling of desk items like paperclips, picking at one’s clothing, and obvious signs like sweating or stuttering. They may not be lying yet, but you may be getting uncomfortably close to the right question. Try asking, “Have I made you nervous?” or “You seem to be bothered by something today.” 

8. THE EXPERT INTERVIEW. Experts appreciate that you’ve done your homework and can ask intelligent questions, but they don’t want to hear you demonstrate your expertise. That’s why you’ve come to them. Let them impress you. Remind yourself to listen.

9. HEAR WHAT WASN’T SAID. We are often so intent on getting accurate quotes and atmospheric readings that we forget to listen between the lines. Who isn’t being discussed? Why doesn’t the mayor ever discuss that program? Why does he talk about his kids and not his wife? Which questions always get short answers?

10. THE TRUTH TEST. Especially with informants, learn to periodically ask questions to which you know the answer and know that he does, too. Be wary of the source who seems incapable of saying, “I don’t know.” The classic con hates to admit this.

11. THE HEAD FAKE. You’re trying to confirm if the FBI has begun an investigation at Steroid University. You may get nowhere if you simply ask an agent, “Can you confirm this or that?” Instead, try: “What’s the Bureau’s jurisdiction for entering this case?” “Which agent will be supervising the investigation at the university?”

12. A CHANGE OF SCENERY. Most interviews work best when the subject is relaxed and comfortable in his or her surroundings. But that’s not always wise or possible. Try adversarial interviews in settings where they can’t just simply stop the questions and show you the door. Source interviews may often work better out of the office – driving a car, attending a sports event, ect. This often relieves the one-on-one tension.

13. DO YOU CARE TO COMMENT? A real pet peeve of mine. For most people this is a red flag that screams, “I’m going to quote you, so choose your words carefully.” Similar version: “Do you have a reaction to this and that?” Many corporate executives, who are accustomed to ghostwritten quotes and p.r. puffery, think you’re not quoting them until you’ve asked for a “comment.”

14. THE EMOTIONAL OFFENDER. Generally, those who have physically harmed another person will be more emotional about the act than, for example, someone who embezzled money from a company. With the first type you might attempt to play upon their guilt. The second one, however, may feel little remorse and might be drawn out by a suggestion that the company would never miss such a small sum. (“With all the waste in this company why’d they pick on you?”)

15. LOOSE LIPS SINK REPORTERS. When that long-awaited Deep Throat calls one day and asks if you’re the ace reporter looking for dirt on Dr. Mal Practices, resist your immediate urge and calmly reply that you’re looking for any information, pro or con. Do not ever, even in joking among other reporters, say things such as, “I’d love to nail that guy” or “I know he’s guilty. I just can’t prove it.” Your libel lawyer will worship the ground you walk on.

16. THINK STRATEGICALLY. Some things will only be available to you while you’re on good terms with the subject – resumes, home phone numbers, corporate brochures, internal reports, ect. Ask for them early or during blissful interludes in your ruthless interrogation. Especially remember this if you need photos.

17. THE ELUSIVE TARGET. Some people will not speak to reporters, and no amount of magic will work. Try several times, and don’t get discouraged. But don’t completely give up until you’ve exhausted every method, including:

a. Emails, text messages, IMs, social media like Facebook, ect.

b. Contacting people away from their home city,  at conventions, perhaps.

c. If Target A won’t talk, interview his best friend or close business associate and be the very essence of charm. Word will get back.

d. Find an obscure detail about their background or family.

e. Beg, grovel, whimper, date their daughter, speak in tongues, move next door to them, promise them a co-byline, lose badly at poker, tickle their fancy, drop the names of girls they dated