The best stories start with sharp observation, thoughtful interviews, and a solid grasp of the five W's and one H: who, what, when, where, why, and how. When your reporting is strong, your storytelling shines, bringing your readers right into the moment with you through lively, informative writing.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before you head out to cover an event, take some time to prep. Get familiar with what the event is all about, figure out what you'll want to get out of your interviews and do a bit of background research on the people you'll be talking to. Try to speak to people who are closely connected to the event and who might offer different perspectives. During the interview, listen carefully and respond thoughtfully...it helps build a natural, easygoing conversation.

ASK QUESTIONS THAT OPEN DOORS

Avoid yes or no questions, as they tend to shut things down. Instead, come with a list of open-ended questions that invite your subject to share stories, insights, and details. These kinds of questions help you paint a fuller picture of the event and the people involved.

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE AFTER

Strong interviewers always have a goal in mind. What challenge is the person facing, or has already overcome? What skills, experiences, or support helped them through it? Knowing what you're looking for helps guide the conversation and keeps your story focused.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

What makes a story stand out? The little things! That's why it's great to meet your subject in the setting where the story takes place, whether it's a locker room, drama studio, or science lab. These spaces are full of rich, descriptive details that bring your story to life. Take notes before, during, and after the interview to capture it all.

TAKE NOTES LIKE A PRO

Write down everything that you can or record the interview if your subject is cool with it. Pay attention to specifics: numbers, dates, quotes, and unique phrases. And don't forget to grab their contact info in case you need to follow up. Accuracy matters...a small mistake can lead to big embarrassment.

AI IS YOUR FRIEND

Smartphones today come loaded with powerful dictation tools that can be a game changer for keeping accurate notes. These tools use advanced speech recognition to turn your spoken words into text…perfect for interviews or when inspiration strikes and you need to jot ideas down quickly. Just remember to speak clearly so your phone can keep up!

TEAM UP FOR BETTER COVERAGE

Working in pairs, especially when you've got a writer and a photographer, can really elevate your storytelling. While one person focuses on the words, the other captures the visuals. You'll cover more ground, spark more creative ideas, and share the workload.