Interviewing is a great skill to have when you're a journalist. It takes patience and practice to get it right; because you can't get everythng right on the first try. Interviewing is a discussion where two or more people talk about a topic; whether it is for a job or in journalism. Now first of all, you need to know your topic and who your going to interview. The person you're going to interview is very important because you have to ask yourself this: Is this person the best person to interview for this topic? Is this person's opinion going to benefit my story? Will this person be useful for any other of my stories?
Secondly, you want to make your questions. Make sure your questions are logical and relate to your topic. Once you have reviewed the questions, you should set up a time and place to meet your interviewer. Now, during your interview you want to stay still, or else you may make your uncomfortable. But first, greet your interviewer! Now you can start. Start with your questions and make sure you're listening. No one likes to talk to themself! Also, try not to stutter. You want the interviewer to understand you; instead of having your interviewer have dictionary in front of their face.
Journalistic Writing: Building the Skills, Honing the Craft
By Robert M. Knight
Lastly, thank your interviewer for their time. Be sure to shortly summarize why they were important to your story. Also, make sure you give a firm handshake to close your interview.