Mastering the Art of Difficult Interviews

Every journalist faces challenging interview subjects – from evasive politicians to hostile witnesses. The ability to navigate these difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism and extracting valuable information is what separates good reporters from great ones.

Understanding the Psychology

Before diving into techniques, it's crucial to understand why people become difficult during interviews. Common reasons include:

• Fear of misrepresentation or being quoted out of context
• Legal concerns about potential liability
• Protecting sensitive information or other people
• Previous negative experiences with media
• Natural anxiety about public speaking

Pre-Interview Preparation

Research Extensively

The more you know about your subject and the topic, the more credible you'll appear. This builds trust and makes it harder for subjects to deflect with vague or misleading answers.

Anticipate Resistance

Prepare for likely objections and have follow-up questions ready. Create a question hierarchy – start with easier topics to build rapport before moving to more sensitive areas.

Set Clear Expectations

Be transparent about the story's focus, expected publication timeline, and how quotes will be used. This transparency often reduces defensiveness.

Building Rapport Strategies

Start with Common Ground

Begin conversations with neutral topics or shared interests. This helps establish a human connection before diving into contentious subjects.

Show Genuine Interest

Demonstrate that you've done your homework and genuinely want to understand their perspective. People are more likely to open up when they feel heard and respected.

Use Active Listening

Respond to what they're actually saying, not just what you expected them to say. This shows you're engaged and may lead to unexpected insights.

Techniques for Evasive Subjects

The Redirect Method

When subjects dodge questions, acknowledge their response then redirect: "I understand your concern about privacy, but can you help our readers understand why this policy was implemented?"

The Assumption Technique

Sometimes stating an assumption can prompt correction: "It seems like the department wasn't prepared for this situation..." This often leads to clarification or defense that provides useful information.

The Pause Strategy

After a non-answer, simply wait. Many people feel compelled to fill silence and may provide more substantive responses in the pause.

Handling Hostile Interviews

Stay Calm and Professional

Your composure often mirrors their behavior. Remaining calm can de-escalate tension and may even make aggressive subjects appear unreasonable to readers.

Acknowledge Their Concerns

"I can see this is frustrating for you" shows empathy without agreeing with their position. This validation can reduce defensiveness.

Focus on Facts

When emotions run high, ground the conversation in specific, verifiable facts. This makes it harder for subjects to deflect and keeps you in control of the narrative.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Recording Laws

In Australia, recording laws vary by state. Always know your local requirements and be transparent about recording when legally required.

Off-the-Record Guidelines

Establish clear ground rules about attribution before the interview begins. Be consistent in honoring these agreements to build long-term source relationships.

Fact-Checking Obligations

Even with difficult subjects, accuracy remains paramount. Verify claims independently and give subjects opportunity to respond to allegations.

Recovery Strategies

When Interviews Go Wrong

If an interview becomes contentious or unproductive:

• Take a brief break to reset the dynamic
• Acknowledge the tension and suggest refocusing
• Return to earlier, successful topics to rebuild rapport
• Know when to end gracefully and try again later

Follow-Up Opportunities

A difficult first interview doesn't mean the end. Professional follow-up, addressing their concerns, and demonstrating fair reporting can open doors for future conversations.

Technology and Tools

Preparation Apps

Use research tools to gather background information and prepare comprehensive question lists. The more prepared you appear, the more seriously subjects take the interview.

Recording Quality

Ensure clear audio recording to avoid disputes about quotes later. Poor audio quality can undermine your credibility and accuracy.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, conducting difficult interviews improves with practice. Role-play challenging scenarios with colleagues, review recordings of your interviews to identify improvement areas, and learn from experienced journalists who excel in this area.