Writing a news report often requires conducting interviews in order to help people understand the course of events, the opinions and views of those involved in a story, the reactions of society, etc. At other times, the individuals themselves are the focus of the report, and in such cases it is crucial to create a proper environment in which to interview the involved parties, as well as others who can provide information on them.

Interviews conducted to cover news puts emphasis on the events, not on the people being interviewed. The personalities mentioned within the story exist solely to elucidate the reported events. In order to make the event stand out, it is better if the people being interviewed provide unique, representative and vivid accounts. Such viewpoints will help the readers to benefit from these reports, based on diverse perspectives and thinking.

On the other hand, when interviewing people, the individuals themselves are the focus of attention. These individuals can be, but are not always associated with a particular event, and the report should also focus on the thoughts, experiences, views and lives of these individuals.

Often these people have stories that are interesting to readers. We can further gain the readers' interest and empathy by selectively choosing the right material, angle of approach, writing style, and by providing a variety of information under the premise of paying attention to an individual's unique characteristics.

The selection of an interviewee must be based on the nature of the media (such as magazine, newspaper, etc.), and the purpose of the report. Two key points are: (1) The interviewee must be "newsworthy." (2) Readers must be interested in the interviewees. They can be celebrities, famous or important people, or key characters, eyewitnesses and individuals involved with certain events, or specialists knowledgeable in certain professional areas, etc.

To put it in another way, regardless of whether the individuals are famous or unknown, they can all serve as sources that bring encouragement, broaden the horizons, or offer new knowledge and new experiences to our readers. This is realized through the reporter's unique and constructive investigation, authentic writing, and consideration of the reader.

In order to write a report that is both refreshing and appealing, the reporter's preparation, his knowledge of the interviewee and insights into the topic, as well as his post-interview work, are all key contributing factors.

Let's say we are going to interview a Falun Gong practitioner. It is better to first do some research on the basic information regarding Falun Gong. We also need to know certain kinds of personal information such as the particular individual's age, professional background, time of beginning practice, etc. Knowing such information beforehand allows us to focus the interview on the essential, substantial topics. This way, the reporter's sincerity and professionalism will impress the interviewee; furthermore, it will stimulate his thought processes and his interest in carrying on the dialogue. It will strengthen his trust in the reporter and shorten the distance between them. Thus, the information that readers derive from the interviewee's words, expressions and actions can be more easily brought to light.

Usually, an appointment should be made before the interview, unless the interviewee is already a public figure who is used to facing the media. Before the official interview, the reporter should state the purpose and scope of the interview. This is a very considerate approach since it allows the interviewee ample time to consider the interview questions before hand.

If the situation permits, it is a good idea to have a short conversation while making the appointment. This is one of the approaches to gathering interview material. It allows the reporter to get an understanding of the interviewee's attitude about the upcoming interview, and it will be helpful when drafting a list of interview questions.

For those interviewees who either are in a special position or have a very busy schedule, a more professional approach is to send them the list of interview questions so that they can be better prepared. This will in fact save time for both parties, and the interview will have a more substantial dialogue.

These can be summed up in the following key points:

During the interview, one must be attentive while listening to the interviewee so as to follow up closely with questions, as well as adjust the upcoming questions, based on the interviewee's train of thought. We should avoid forcefully pushing self-established question. We must not be distracted if the interviewee digresses from the interview objectives, and we should avoid dialogue with no theme since it easily draws attention away from the main topic.

While listening to the interviewee talking, the reporter should pay attention and gauge:

• Whether the interviewee's speech can be used in the interview. Which parts can be used for the final interview report, and which parts cannot be used;
• If none can be used, then should the question be raised again from a different angle and with a different questioning style?
• If sufficient material has already been gathered, is there a need to raise other questions?
• Other than the original key questions, is it necessary to provide supplementary questions in order to gather sufficient information?

(2) Pay attention to the principles and skills of asking questions.

The most fundamental part of an interview is how to ask questions. Raising appropriate and well thought out questions will uncover in-depth and interesting content.

A reporter should raise questions that are straightforward for the interviewee to answer and beneficial to the reader.

Asking questions that are straightforward means:

• The interviewee has answers to the questions;
• The interviewee is happy to answer the questions.

Of course, helping others is helping yourself. A reporter's final coverage can be done easily if the reporter designs the questions to accommodate the interviewee. And a well-written report will attract more readers, thus achieving the goal of the interview.

• Raise the question with a clear purpose, and make sure to get the right information with the reply. For example, the purpose can be an attempt to obtain objective information and facts, recognize the viewpoint and attitude of the interviewee, or comprehend the inner world and feelings of the interviewee. If the interviewee fails to provide the needed information, then we must try to use a different angle, style and wording to steer him into making more appropriate answers that conform to the objective of the interview.
• Avoid asking questions upon which it is difficult to elaborate. If the interviewee can only answer with a "Yes" or "No," then it is very difficult for him to open up and talk. Information obtained this way by the reporter will be piecemeal and difficult to incorporate in the story.
• Avoid asking questions which the interviewee will answer with vague and indefinite replies. An interviewee who is not used to facing the media, or who has no experience delivering speeches or being interviewed tends to answer questions like this. Their vague and indefinite replies cannot be easily incorporated into the coverage report. Readers will not find interesting points from such interviews either.
• The questions should be concise, with a well-constructed theme and a clear scope. A long, speech-like question often will make it difficult for the interviewee to grasp the focal point of the question and what should be talked about.

(3) Take interview notes at all times and organize the interview material in a timely fashion. In the interview notes determine:

• What are the key points of the interview?
• What information can be easily overlooked?
• What areas remain to be followed through and double-checked?
• What are the most brilliant points?
• What points can provoke further thoughts?
• Information based on the observation of the interviewee's facial expressions, body language and surrounding environment.

All of the above should be recorded in notes. Afterwards, the interview information should be organized and sorted out before it is forgotten. Only then can we write a candid and factual report with a refreshing viewpoint, prominent theme, and real life appeal. Even the transition passages should be substantial, thus leading to better reader response.

By the way, many people know that a good report can touch the reader's feelings. What should be clarified here is that "touching" is not the same as making people emotional or making them cry. Rather, the goal is to touch the reader's heart, and to let the reader relate with the interviewee's story.

There are a variety of report writing styles, but the most common style is based on the one-on-one approach. It often incorporates both the interviewee's words, as well as the reporter's statements, observations, narration, description, explanation, and supplementary comments. If the reporter is well acquainted with the interviewee, then the report can be written in the interviewee's own voice, as a primary person's own recollection. This will make it sound more intimate. Different styles all have their own unique characteristics and benefits, as well as their own shortcomings.

The above are just some basic outlines regarding the skills of interviewing people and writing investigative reports. I hope that practitioners who are interested in doing investigative reporting and wish to do it well will find some professional reference articles to familiarise themselves with the genre, and improve their knowledge. The more we practice and the more mistakes we correct, the earlier we can reach an advanced level that only comes with practice.