Lead
Transitional paragraph
Direct Quote - that supports the transitional paragraph above
Transitional paragraph
Direct Quote - that supports the transitional paragraph above
Transitional paragraph
Direct Quote - that supports the transitional paragraph above
Etc.
You can use an indirect quote in between a direct quote and the transitional paragraph, and on occasion you can use an indirect quote in place of a direct quote, but not every time.
Lead: between 25-35 words that catches the attention of the reader and focuses on something newsworthy from your interview subject at the start of the story. Remember that the first 5 words are key.
Transitional paragraph: these provide background information and introduce people or ideas in the quotes that follow.
Advice when interviewing:
1. Write down notes on paper in case technology doesn't work.
2. Learn as much as possible about your subject BEFORE an interview.
3. Have a list of questions prepared and leave tougher questions for the end.
4. Let the subject know you are listening not just asking questions.
5. Write down keywords in your notebook
6. If the subject is speaking too fast, don’t be afraid to say “Please give me a second; I want to write that down.” Or, “That sounds important; can you please say it again?”
7. Remember your notes after an interview and make sure to type them up after.
8. Annotate your notes. That is, mark them with stars or arrows or marginalia such as “this quote good for end of story.”
9. Don't write down what you hear, write down what you see.
10. Arrive early to check out the scene; stay late to gather final thoughts.
11. Call back a source to gather something you missed or to check the accuracy of something you are not sure of.
12. Always be polite and respect the subject's mood.
13. Ask one question at a time.
14. Ask open-ended questions, not ones that can be answered with yes or no.
15. Be patient. Don't break the silence with another question.
