Interviews

Where To Begin
-Choose 3 interviewees
-Schedule interviews (24+ hours in advance)
-Give a "heads up" to interviewees-Conduct background research
-Write interview questions (10-15)

Why Prepare Questions?
-It's your job!
-1st impressions
-Nervous, unexpected circumstances
-Higher quality questions
-Preparation is a guide, not a limitation

Holy Trinity of Interviewing:
1. Anecdote
-Brief story told by interviewee
-Usually paraphrased by writer
-Entertaining
-Paints a picture for reader

2. Revealing Quote
-Something said by the interviewee
-Gives reader insight to personality
-Creates picture for the reader

3. Portraiture
-Description created by the writer
-Based on observations of interviewee
-Description is relevant to topic, not random

Preparation Payoff
-Varying types for various purposes
-To relax, gain trust, show genuine interest
-Interviewees who trust you will talk and talk and talk...

Types of Questions:
1. Opener: beginning question/remark; establish a rapport
"Oh, cute pictures. Are those your children?"

2. First Step: asks about the topic
"I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming fundraiser. Would you tell meexactly what you're doing?"

3. Qualifier: find out if the source is qualified
"What is your role in the fundraising efforts?"

4. Routine Factual: 5 W's and H
"Who is on the comittee? When will the fundraiser be?"

5. Numerical: statistical information
"How many years have you had this fundraiser? How much money do you hope toraise?"

6. G-O-S-S-E-Y: a way to ask deeper questions; goals, obstacles, solutions, start, evaluation, why7. Responder: clarification
"Would you explain what you mean? I'm not sure I understood."

7. Responder: clarification
"Would you explain what you mean? I'm not sure I understand."

8. Soliciting a quote: a specific question
"Tell me exactly what your hope is for this fundraiser.":
then.. "Do I have this down right?"

9. Soliciting an anecdote: prompts a short story
"What has been the most memorable aspect of this process?"

10. Imaginative: strays away from the routine
"Does your team have any superstitions?"

11. Grenade: difficult questions
"Some people say you favor certain players. Would you comment on this?"

12. Recover from grenade: a nuetral question
"Any last minute strategies to workon before the game?"

Concluding the Interview
-"Thank you.."
-Sign documentation sheet
-Further questions

Beware..
-Not everyone is a great interviewee
-Plan ahead..unforseen circumstances

Scavenger Hunt

1. Who will be the new superintendent of district 196? Jane Berenz
2. How many teachers are absent from school today? Who are they? 12
3. Who is the president of our school board? How many are on the board? Mike Rosine, 7 people
4. What date is graduation this year? June 12
5. Who are the newest faculty members? Mr. Fedji
6. Who is the tallest person at our school? Mr. Tollefson
7. What does DECA stand for? Distributive Education Club of America
8. How many home football games were played this season? 6 games
9. Who are the student council officers? Rachael Anderson, Kellie Vanbeck...
10. Where do you find accurate spelling of a student’s name? Grade level? yearbook, teacher access to Campus
11. How many students have enrolled at EVHS this year? 2,217
12. Who is the head custodian? Brian Fischer
13. Who advises the Yearbook? Ms. Kitchner
14. Where is the district office located? (city & street name) Rosemount
15. Who are the administrators (in addition to Dr. Peterson) and what are their duties? Franchino, Hanson, Percivil, Miller, Martinsen
16. Who advises the chess club? Mr. Dettmer
17. Name the captain(s) of the girls’ soccer team? North, Price, Meyr
18. Who manages the cafeteria? Jean Martin
19. Who are the librarians? Mrs. Osullivan, Mrs. Lindgren, Mrs. Koziy
20. How many students are taking AP tests this year? aprox. 500