Advanced interview skills

Great interviewing is the cornerstone of quality journalism. It is a fundamental tool of the trade which, when used to full effect, can uncover hidden truths, spark controversy and deliver stand-out, even historic moments across broadcast and print media.

This practical workshop, led by investigative journalist Paul Connolly, examines the techniques required to take your interview skills to the next level, leading to more engaging and revealing copy or footage.

From hostile interviews with politicians and deep-dive profile pieces to emotive on-the-record interviews with victims of trauma and hardship, this brand new course teaches participants how to get the most from a wide range of interview scenarios whilst being fair, objective and compassionate.

Paul will also provide a guide to the very latest equipment, software and apps for recording and storing audio-visual content.

As with all Journalism.co.uk courses, the training will focus on the latest tools and techniques with an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.

Preparation

No preparation is required

Structure

Day 1:

• Preparation – research and advanced question crafting
• Interview types – how to prepare for and conduct short, medium and in-depth interviews
• Remote interviewing – how to ensure remote interviews are as effective as those recorded in-person
• Advanced interview techniques – taking control, listening and reacting, the use of silence etc.
• Mistakes - how to recover from a mid-interview mistake or error in judgement

Day 2:

• Hostile interviews – preparation and advanced question crafting
• Hostile interviews - how to challenge and extract information from a reluctant and / or hostile interviewee
• Vulnerable interviewees – how to glean great content from sensitive subjects and subject matters
• Breaking news / stories – how to maximise the impact of interviews you are not prepared for
• Tech – the very latest technology and equipment for recording and storing audio-visual content.

Getting there

This is an online course taking place over two, four-hour sessions on 6 and 7 March 2025. Start and end times may vary due to scheduling, but will most likely be 9:30am - 1:30pm GMT.

About Paul Connolly

Paul Connolly is an investigative broadcast journalist, television and radio presenter and documentary maker with more than 15 years’ experience under his belt.

Best known for his work on crime, and the daring undercover operations that have seen him infiltrate criminal gangs in cities and towns across Britain, Paul’s acclaimed documentaries have aired on Channel 5 (UK), ITV, Netflix, Facebook Watch, Discovery Channel, BBC Worldwide, BBC Radio 4, Nine Network in Australia, Virgin Media One in Ireland and on many networks besides.

Testimonials

"This is by far the most useful course that I have done, anywhere, so far. Interviewing is something I do almost every day. I didn't think there were so many useful tips available about how to conduct an interview, and get the answers you want - without any unwanted waffle or question evasion."

Charlie Jaay, freelance journalist

"Overall, the training was engaging and incredibly helpful to developing my interview skills. Paul was an excellent trainer and shared many insightful techniques and advice during the sessions to help with the understanding and practical use of the tools."

Adam McBeth, Right Livelihood

"Paul was brilliant throughout. He controlled and directed the group really well (which can be hard virtually), he always had good answers for questions and made it as interactive and engaging as possible. Really enjoyed it and learned a lot!"

Harry Latter, Birkbeck, University of London

"Paul, as a presenter, was engaging. Clearly an expert, it was great to spend time in the company of someone who is happy to share knowledge while remaining humble in their brilliance. As an example of this, I was really impressed with how Paul was able to bring content to clearly to people from differing job types by twisting the content and delivery method immediately to suit each person. At all times I felt treated as an individual, quite an achievement via an online course delivered with multiple people."

Dan Wallace, freelance journalist