By Joe Hamelin
Press-Enterprise

• Always use a tape recorder. Explain to the subject, if need be, that no one will hear it but you.
• Take notes, too. Tape recorders sometimes malfunction.
• Do your homework. A subject will warm to you when realizing you've taken the trouble to be informed.
• If you can, find someplace quiet where you won't be interrupted and steer the subject there.

• RELATED RESOURCES

  Bob Schieffer: The Meta-Interview by Matt Thompson The Bare Facts About Interviewing by Jim Alexander The Zen of Interviewing by Dan Weber The Interview as a Free-Form Art by Jim Short

  Save the tough questions for the latter part of the interview.
• Try not to ask questions that can be answered with a "yes" or "no."
• Don't be nervous. The athlete can't hurt you. But you can hurt the athlete. He or she is the one who should be nervous, and probably is.
• If you are totally out of your element, ask for help. Admit that you normally cover softball and have never written a piece on rowing. Almost always, the subject will be only too happy to help.
• Try to have a "conversation" when possible, instead of just asking questions.
• Unless you have an agenda, have three to four questions prepared to get things rolling. Then follow where the subject wants to take you.

• If you are covering something unfamiliar with many possible interview subjects, pick the smartest, most experienced reporter in the room and follow him or her like a puppy dog. You'll be led straight to the best interviews.
• Dress appropriately.