writing how-tos

If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably seen countless on-the-spot interviews with athletes and coaches. Can you remember a single one? I’m guessing not, because the questions and answers almost never vary: What went wrong? (We didn’t bring our best game.) What went right? (We worked together as a team.) How do you feel? (The same way you would. Duh.)

Sometimes an interviewer tries, but just can’t make headway. TIME Magazine posted an interview with Joan Didion, a highly-respected essay writer dating from the sixties. Ms. Didion is now 86 and has been confined to her New York apartment since March, so she might not be at her sharpest. Or she might have just been bored. Whatever the reason, it’s the only interview I ever read where almost all the questions were longer than the answers.

There may not be much you can do with an unresponsive subject. But you may well have opportunities to interview: research for a paper, or a career opportunity, or a newsletter, or a book of family stories. Family stories, by the way, is a great opportunity for kids to gather information in a friendly setting and write it down. For any age, and any subject, here are some worthwhile tips:

• Do your research! Gather enough information about your subject or your subject’s specialty to ask specific questions. Also intelligent ones.
• Write more questions than you will actually use. If one line of questioning doesn’t seem to interest your subject, try another.
• Make your questions as specific as possible. Instead of “How do you do your job?” go for something like, “What’s the most rewarding (or difficult) part of your job?” Instead of “Tell me about your book,” try, “If readers only remember one thing from your book, what should it be?”
• Steer clear of “How do you feel about—” questions. The answer will most likely be what anyone would feel in a similar situation (Q. How do you feel about going to the Super Bowl for the second time? A. Great! Fabulous! A dream come true!). Or, your subject may feel the need to dissemble, or prevaricate. (Q. How did it feel when your closest rival won that award? A. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.)
• Stick to the script. Except when you shouldn’t. Be considerate of your subject’s time; don’t take any more of it than necessary (unless it’s your grandma). On the other hand, if a question gets your subject excited and talkative, it’s okay to follow the rabbit trail for a bit. But be sure to allow time for a wrap-up question.
• Be involved. Of course you’re listening and making notes, but try to listen on a deeper level. Is your subject animated or merely polite? Did he just glance at his watch? Is she leaning forward to stress a particular point? Body language and facial expressions can help you respond appropriately, and either wrap it up after you have all the information or stay just a little longer to chat.
• Be sure to thank your subject. If you’re writing up the interview, offer to send the final copy or a link to the website (and do it!). If your subject is a professional who generously made time for you, a hand-written note of thanks would not be amiss.