Workshop III: Interview Techniques

Jan 4th, 2009 | By web | Category: Blogs

By ERICK GALINDO

Richard Berke, an assistant managing editor of The New York Times; Diego Ribadeneira, a weekend metro editor and Lizette Alvarez, a reporter, offered pointers on how to obtain good quotes for great stories. They emphasized the importance of noting details, knowing the subject matter and taking the time to know the person who is being interviewed.

The best lesson was that you do not have to be the caricature of the cutthroat reporter who is vicious, unsympathetic and willing to do anything to get the story. It comes as a relief to know that I can keep my humanity intact while reporting.

The panelists also threw in some enjoyable war stories.

I especially liked Mr. Berke’s story of the time he persisted in interviewing a senator aboard an airplane in the early 1990s. The senator, David Durenberger, R-Minn., was under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee over unusual financial transactions. His lawyers had told him to avoid reporters. Mr. Berke stood in the aisle and interviewed the senator, who was seated and had been working on a speech to be delivered to the ethics committee.

The panel also reminded me that it’s not necessarily important to appear to be the smartest person in the room. It’s better to be the most inquisitive.

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  1. Brian Anthony Hernandez January 5th, 2009 9:24 pm

    Diego has so many great stories to share about his career experiences. Be sure to pick his brain about them. While you’re at it, tell him I said hello.

    Thanks. Cheers,

    Brian Anthony Hernandez
    Class of 2008, Tucson, Ariz.

  2. Lauren LePage January 10th, 2009 1:11 am

    Russ Contreras was at last year’s institute, and he also shared some good advice in interviewing: If someone says something looked like a “war zone” (or any other cliche), ask him if he’s been in a war zone. He just might surprise you and be like, “well, actually, I was in ‘Nam…” and then you can get a better quote and detailed description. :) It was a good example. It stuck with me.

    I second Brian’s comment. Diego’s got a lot of great stories. Pick the hell out of his brain.

    cheers!
    Lauren, class of 2008