PLANNING YOUR INTERVIEW. 1.- Getting Ready - Who will you interview? Select someone who speaks good English. - Make an appointment: set a date, time and place. Don’t arrive late! - Ask for permission to take notes and record audio or video.
2.- Questions. - Make a list of questions for the interview: Basics – When were you born? Where did you live? Etc. Details – How many people were in your family? What did you do when you were my age? Feelings & Attitudes – Did you like school? What made you happy?
- Practice asking questions with a friend to help you get ready
3.- The interview - Don’t interrupt during the interview (be a good listener) - Always pay attention - It’s O.K. if you don’t use all of your preplanned questions. Sometimes, the subject will talk about something you didn’t expect.
4.- Taking notes and/or recording - Always ask for permission to record. - Don’t forget to turn your recorder on. - Take nontes quickly but legibly - When you quote someone, you must do it literally (word for word.)
5.- Writing the interview. - Go over your notes / recordings carefully . - Write your interview soon after you perform it (one day later maximum) - Revise your writing for mistakes.
Sample Questions Basics
What is your full name? Where/When were you born? What interesting stories could you tell about your parents or grandparents? What is your job Are you married? Have you got any brothers or sisters? ...
How often do you …? Where do you go on holiday? What do you like about Spain? ...
Feelings and Attitudes Details
What do you do in your free time? Do you like…? Tell me about your family. What is your favourite food/sport? Do you do any chores at home? Do you enjoy working in…?
Name an especially happy time. What is your funniest family story? What is the biggest accomplishment in your life? If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be? Are you a religious person? ...
Interview Planning Sheet - My Name is: __________________________________________ - I am going to interview:___________________________________ - Date, time and place: _____________________________________ Eight questions that I plan to ask: 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.-
Things I will need: - Notebook / paper - Pen - Video / Audio recorder