In today’s digital age, online interviews have become a vital tool for journalists and writers seeking to create in-depth feature articles. With the convenience of technology, interviews can be conducted anywhere, allowing for more flexibility in gathering information.
However, writing a compelling feature article based on an online interview requires a specific set of skills. Here are some tips to help you create an engaging and well-rounded feature article from online interviews.
Photo courtesy: Pexels
1. Prepare for the Interview
Preparation is key to conducting a successful interview, whether online or in person. Before the interview, make sure you research your subject thoroughly. Understand their background, work, and the context of the story you’re telling. Create a list of questions that will help you uncover compelling insights, but also leave room for follow-up questions based on the conversation.
For online interviews, test your technology beforehand. Ensure that your internet connection is stable, and test your microphone and camera to avoid technical disruptions. Familiarizing yourself with the platform you’ll use, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, can also help minimize the chances of encountering technical issues during the interview.
2. Establish Rapport
Building a connection with your interviewee is crucial to creating a relaxed environment. In an online setting, this can be challenging due to the absence of in-person cues, but it’s still possible. Start the conversation with small talk to ease into the interview. Ask about the person’s day or their experiences with virtual meetings. Establishing rapport can help both parties feel more comfortable, resulting in a smoother conversation and more natural responses.
Make sure to be polite and professional, and actively listen. If something intriguing or insightful is said, let your interviewee elaborate. Being a good listener will allow you to ask more thoughtful and meaningful follow-up questions, which can add depth to your article.
3. Capture the Essence of the Conversation
One of the biggest challenges of writing feature articles from online interviews is capturing the essence of the conversation. Online interviews can sometimes feel impersonal, with participants occasionally speaking over each other or facing technical glitches that disrupt the flow of communication. Therefore, it’s important to focus on the quality of the responses, not just the quantity.
To ensure you capture the most relevant information, take detailed notes during the interview. Record the conversation if permitted, and use transcription tools to ensure accuracy. Pay attention to not only the content of what is being said but also to the tone, pauses, and emotions that come through during the conversation. These can help you highlight key moments in the article.
4. Organize the Interview into a Story
When you sit down to write the article, think of it as a story rather than just a transcription of questions and answers. The goal is to create a narrative that brings the subject to life. Start by crafting an engaging lede that captures the reader’s attention. You can use a compelling quote from the interview, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking observation to kick off the article.
After your lede, organize the interview’s content into sections that make sense logically. Group similar ideas or themes together. You can use direct quotes from the interview to illustrate your points, but don’t shy away from paraphrasing when necessary for clarity. The key is to maintain the flow of the conversation while ensuring the article remains readable and engaging.
5. Use Direct Quotes Effectively
Feature articles benefit greatly from the authenticity and emotion that direct quotes bring. However, it’s important to use them effectively. Choose quotes that offer insight into your subject’s personality, views, or experiences. The goal is to showcase your subject’s voice and perspective, not to use every single line verbatim.
When quoting someone in your feature article, make sure to provide context. Introduce who the person is, and if the conversation was about a particular topic, mention it before the quote. This helps your readers understand the relevance of the statement within the larger context of the article.
6. Edit for Clarity and Brevity
While it’s tempting to include everything from the interview, remember that your feature article should be concise and focused. Eliminate redundant information, off-topic tangents, and irrelevant details that don’t add value to the story.
Online interviews, in particular, can be prone to disjointed responses due to technical issues or interruptions. It’s your job as the writer to make sure the article reads smoothly and coherently. Edit the content for clarity, making sure the narrative flows naturally from one point to the next.
7. Provide Additional Context and Background
Feature articles often require background information to help readers fully understand the subject and the story. After conducting the online interview, you may need to supplement the article with additional context, facts, or quotes from other sources. This could include background on the interviewee’s career, industry insights, or historical information relevant to the topic.
This additional context not only enhances the article’s depth but also helps readers connect the dots between the interviewee’s personal story and broader trends or issues.
8. Check for Accuracy and Sensitivity
Finally, before publishing your feature article, review it for accuracy. Verify the facts, ensure that direct quotes are correct, and double-check any statistics or details shared during the interview.
Also, consider the sensitivity of certain topics discussed during the interview. Be mindful of how personal information is presented and whether the subject’s privacy or image could be compromised. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to ask your interviewee for approval or a chance to review sensitive parts of the article before publication.
Photo courtesy: Pexels
Wrap Up
Writing a feature article based on an online interview is a rewarding but challenging process. By preparing thoroughly, building rapport, organizing the conversation into a coherent story, and using quotes effectively, you can craft an article that not only informs but also engages readers. The digital age has made interviewing more accessible, but it still requires skill to turn a simple conversation into a compelling narrative. With the tips outlined here, you’ll be well-equipped to write a feature article that resonates with your audience.
