How do you add depth and insight to the stories on your yearbook pages? Interviews. Conducting interviews helps you gather additional information to build up your captions and body copy. It also allows you to attribute facts to the people who are in the know and to highlight individuals’ personalities through quotes. Read on for tips to make the interview process a success.

Interview a Variety of Individuals
If you look at the event shown on a yearbook page or spread, it’s likely that there are a number of individuals who could contribute information to deepen the story. Consider a typical sports spread. Interviewees could include the coach, team players, spectators and behind-the-scenes individuals. By talking with a variety of individuals, you’ll be able to share a much broader picture of the event.

Respect the Interviewee
Your interviewee is taking time out of a busy day to talk with you, so you need to make the most of that time. Choose a place where the interviewee will feel comfortable and be on time. Pay close attention and capture quotes immediately. Don’t be afraid to clarify anything you are unsure of to show your desire to be accurate. Ask for a follow-up phone number in case you need to verify information.

Ask for In-Depth Information
Be sure to ask open-ended questions so that you don’t lead the interviewee’s responses. Get names, titles and positions and as much detail as possible. Ask how and why questions, and ask how it made the individual feel.

	Immediately after the interview, review your notes. Make sure to clarify any notes that may be unclear when read at a later date. Highlight good quotes and important details.
	After completing all of your interviews, think about how they could apply to your story.
	Start writing your story right away, when interview details are fresh in your mind.