One laborious task associated with journalism is conducting interviews. While asking questions and listening to responses is generally not a problem, keeping copious notes or transcribing tapes can be a time-consuming activity.
Fortunately there are alternatives to hand-written notes or hours of transcription. Instant messenging, for example, has numerous advantages. For one, you can often keep a log of the conversation. No transcription necessary! Another advantage is that you give the person you’re interviewing an opportunity to formulate their response intelligently, rather than off the top of their head. While they’re writing, you also have time to prepare your next question.
Example:
10:22:49 AM michael: Good morning, Renata.
10:23:26 AM Renata: Hi Michael!
10:23:44 AM michael: Did you receive my earlier message regarding the interview?
10:24:16 AM Renata: I just got one regarding us meeting here..
10:24:53 AM michael: Gotcha. I was suggesting that we conduct any interview via chat so that you will have a transcript of the conversation.
10:25:36 AM Renata: I think that is great idea! I’ve never used Google Talk but it seems pretty similar to msn
10:26:14 AM michael: Exactly. And later you can simply copy and paste the conversation, rather than having to take notes or transcribe tapes.
10:27:08 AM Renata: I usually spend an awful amount of time with my tapes..
10:27:36 AM michael: I completely understand. I used to do that also. I still have many of my tapes.
10:28:06 AM michael: I learned this technique from someone that will be a guest speaker later–Paul Signorelli.
10:28:24 AM michael: Let me know when you’d like to conduct the interview…if you’re still interested.
10:28:53 AM Renata: Do you know of any software that trasncribes an interview from a digital voice recorder?
10:30:45 AM michael: Dragon Naturally Speaking software, but you have tp spend a lot of time “training” the software to recognize your voice patterns. Otherwise it makes lots of mistakes. Dave Courvosier mentioned the same issues.
10:30:57 AM michael: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/
10:31:37 AM Renata: but if it only recognizes my voice pattern, then it’ll never work for people I interview only once, right??
10:33:14 AM michael: Exactly. The technology is still very primitive.
10:33:37 AM Renata: too bad.
10:33:53 AM Renata: Anyways, I don;t want to take to much of your time!
10:34:11 AM michael: Not a problem. That’s what I’m here for.
10:34:50 AM Renata: Ok. So, do you think it’s important for students to go to networking events?
10:35:10 AM michael: Is this an official interview question?
10:35:15 AM Renata: Yes!
10:35:38 AM michael: Okay…
10:37:18 AM michael: It depends on the networking event. Personally, I believe that even light acquaintances can turn into valuable connections professionally. In many industries, it’s all about who you know.
10:38:48 AM michael: I would highly recommend attending networking events that are interesting to you professionally and educationally. You never know if the person you met casually will turn out to be your next employer or a valuable resource.
10:39:51 AM Renata: There are a lot of events. My mailbox gets bombarded with local networking events on a daily basis. How can students choose which ones are worth going?
10:41:14 AM michael: I believe you have to follow your heart on which events to attend. Go to the ones that are interesting to you. Find the ones that have interesting people. If you like the people, go back a second time. If not, don’t bother.
10:42:09 AM michael: I would not suggest going to any networking event where you were expected to pay anything in order to attend. That’s just a business.
10:42:42 AM Renata: Is there something else to avoid – other than not paying?
10:44:59 AM michael: Personally, I like to go to events that are fun and casual. If all people want to talk about is business, then I’m bored. But that decision is up to the individual. Just realize that some people in a networking community are looking to be manipulative. Smile and avoid them. Make friends with those that are honest and genuine.
10:45:18 AM Renata: Great advice!
10:45:46 AM Renata: How about joining organizations and volunteering? Do you think that makes one’s resume look any better?
10:51:12 AM michael: Absolutely! As with attending networking events, one should be selective about the organizations you join, however. Again, follow your hear and interests.Organizational affiliations tend to make us look more credible as well as provide us with additional networking opportunities. In addition, becoming active in organizational management shows leadership ability.
10:54:43 AM michael: As for volunteering, I’m a firm believer in karma. What comes around, goes around. Volunteering shows that you are have a charitable spirit. We must all be models of good behavior. If you need more profitable reasons to volunteer, such experiences also provide more opportunity for networking…which can sometimes lead to employment.
10:55:41 AM Renata: Is there a “wrong” way to network?
10:58:32 AM michael: I believe there is such a thing as trying too hard. Some people believe that networking is all about numbers, trying to have the most followers in social media, for example. But the quality of your connections are more important than the quantity. Don’t shoot for numbers. Seek genuine, intelligent people to network with.
10:59:12 AM Renata: Michael, thank you so much! I think I got everything I needed!
10:59:44 AM michael: You’re absolutely welcome! I’m honored you would ask me. Thank you!
10:59:59 AM michael: If you need any help getting your transcript, let me know.
11:00:16 AM Renata: I think I got it! Have a great weekend!
11:00:25 AM michael: You too! See you Tuesday!
Resources
- Google Talk (already available if you have a Gmail account)
- Adium (Multi-chat client – Mac only)
- Trillian (Multi-chat client - Windows and Web)
- FlashChat (an example of Web-based chat – no login necessary)
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