Also, I’ve learned that a good journalist should take notes. Notes on paper that is, and not on a laptop or something. I believe this thing makes the interview more real, as a journalist is still seen as that moony dude with a pen behind his year and a jotter in his pocket. Also, people tend to get curios about what you’re writing and become more communicative somehow.

Of course, every interview is different. The way you, as the interviewer, approach your “targets” depends from case to case. But recording the conversation is always a good thing to do, as you might spot some things you didn’t noticed during the live discussion by just listening to the recording later on…

For longer interviews on technical subjects (especially unfamiliar topics), I use a digital recorder and with external microphone that plugs into my ear and then upload the audio file to a PC. While some people use transcription services, I find benefits in transcribing myself. It’s pure drudgery, of course, but the process also gives me a much better understanding and command of the information. A foot pedal plugged into the PC reduces the drudgery a little bit.

Equipment:
Olympus VN-3100PC Digital Voice Recorder

Express Scribe Transcription Software (free) & VEC Foot Pedal ($80) (http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/)

Most of my interviews are with filmmakers, so they’re not as technical as when writing white papers. But I’ve found when I’m recording it and not trying to write notes or type them out on the computer during the interview, I’m much more focused on the person, and more apt to pick up on little comments that might change the direction of my questions. I believe it keeps ME more engaged in the interview, and I think that translates to a better interview, because the person being interviewed can sense that.

The recorded call line is a toll-free phone number I purchased that forwards to my phone and records the call to MP3 (which I get later in e-mail).

Whether I interview using Skype or the toll-free number, I’ll often turn on my voice dictation software so at least my half of the interview is mostly already available in text. Saves time for those putting out fresh content daily.

Like Jonathan, it helps me with the fast talkers or allows me to re-listen to see if I can pick up on things I may have missed while taking notes. It gives me a chance to review not only what they said, but how they said it.

The recorder comes with editing software that can be used for playback and to do things such as speed up or slow down playback. That comes in handy with fast talkers! The software can also convert the proprietary format of the recording into other formats such as WAV or MP3.

I have a memory stick reader on my computer that I use to upload the files and back them up.

Jonathan

What technology specifically do you use to record your interviews?

Mike