Interview for Story
You will interview a classmate in order to write a story or bio about them. The objective of this in-class exercise is to:
- Practice interviewing for stories
- Practice writing good questions for interviewing
- Help classmates create bios for portfolios and social media
First, write the questions you want to ask. Remember to start out with memory questions to get your subject to relax a bit and reminisce. Also, ask open-ended questions, to prompt more than a “yes” or “no” response.
Examples:
- How did you choose your current path of study?
- Who influenced you the most?
- What is your favored artistic venue?
- Why did you choose Platt College?
- When did you first discover your talents?
Next, write a follow-up set of questions that encourage your subject to expand on previous responses. Remember the explanation and judgment questions we talked about, such as:
- What caused this event….?
- Why did this happen….? What happened next….?
- Can you describe the scene in one word….?
- Explain the reason for….,?
- What was your point of view about…..?
- Can you describe the scene….. ?
- What was the happiest (funniest or saddest) memory?
- What was your biggest accomplishment?
- What actions would you change if you had a chance to relive those years again?
- What mistakes did you make?
- What do you remember most about ….?
When the interview is over, take some time to collect your thoughts.
Then write two paragraphs about your classmate. As an alternative, write a Question and Answer style bio. (Remember: Be concise. Don’t start out with “I asked so and so and she answered …” )