interview is related to the larger subject of note-taking rather in name than in actual method, and so has no large place in our present inquiry.
It is otherwise with the impersonal interview. Since its purpose is to lay before the reader a definite body of facts or opinions, it calls for systematic method, looking to accuracy and reliability of results. It may be assumed that there is always some special reason why the interview is desired,—the timeliness of the subject, the eminence of the one interviewed, his special knowledge of some interesting situation. If the report is to be successful, then, it is necessary not only that the one interviewed be reported accurately, but also that he speak directly upon the desired subject. It is harder to meet these conditions than might seem, at first; but most of the difficulties, we find upon deliberation, resolve themselves into one, and the key to this solves all.
What is this key? Simply the fact that half of the work of interviewing is done before the reporter sends up his card. It is not enough that he be generally conversant with the subject in hand; he must know definitely upon just what aspect of it he wishes to ask questions, just what information he wishes to elicit. With his own purpose thus clearly in mind, he is not likely to find the talk wandering aimlessly away from important and significant issues.
But this definite preparation for an interview accomplishes more than giving clear direction to the talk; it enables the reporter to remember and to record accurately what is said. To the extent that a conversation tends to drift at its own sweet will, it is difficult later
