BrainPOP is an educational website with over 1,000 short animated movies, together with quizzes and related materials, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, mathematics, engineering and technology, health, and arts and music.
You've got questions, we've got answers! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby discuss the basics of conducting an interview. Tim explains that whether you’re writing a research paper or an article for your school newspaper, the interview process is more or less the same.
Top Tips from Tim
Learn as much as you can about the person you're interviewing, beforehand
Don't ask questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Start your questions with words like "how," "what," or "why." They'll prompt your source to give more detailed answers.
Conduct the interview in a place that's quiet, and where the subject feels comfortable. That way, he's more likely to be honest and open up
BE POLITE.
Sometimes an answer can inspire a question you hadn't thought of. Don't be frightened to go off script.
Four Tips for an Effective Interview: A StoryCorps Education Tool