The journalistic interview teaches many of the basic skills discussed throughout the book.  When planning and conducting this type of interview, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Carefully consider the purpose of the end product prior to planning interviews.   The type of "story" you want to write (e.g., an investigative expose, a feature, etc.) will dictate who appropriate interviewees are. 
• Spend time researching the topic before you interview.  Expert interviewees are quickly annoyed when asked to answer questions which can easily be answered by taking a short trip to the library.  You should use the interview as an opportunity to find answers to new questions, not as a chance to find out about the topic.
• Take care in selecting interviewees.  The quality of your story or report will depend on who you interview.  Only select people who will be willing to give you the best information for your product.
• Structure each interview in a manner appropriate for the purpose of the interview and the interviewee.  Although there may be some questions you ask of all your interviewees, you should be interviewing each person to accomplish a slightly different goal.  Consequently, you should not rely on the same questions from one person to another.
• Primarily rely on open-ended questions.  Remember that your sources are the expert.   If you ask closed questions, it may not only annoy the interviewee, but may also end in poor results.
• Remember to record!  Accuracy is paramount in journalistic interviewing.   Record and transcribe interviews to ensure that you quote accurately.  Make sure you test and retest your equipment before the interview.  Plan ahead and bring extra batteries and tapes.