If the person is a known author or speaker, take the time to read or listen to their work, or at least get familiar with their most recent or most important work. If the person is an official or leader, familiarize yourself with that person’s organization. Look around the website. If the interview will cover recent events, review whatever is known publicly about those events.
Tell them what your article will be about, and why you would like to interview them. Politely ask if you can interview them. Schedule a time to meet in a quiet location, or schedule a time to interview the person by phone. Be respectful of the person’s time and schedule.
Arrive on time or a little early. Set up anything you need set up in advance. Sound check your recording device. Thank the person for agreeing to meet. If you are meeting in person, show the interviewee in, offer a seat, and offer water, coffee or tea. State any time limits out loud, right at the beginning of the visit. “Let’s get started, so we can finish by 2pm and make sure you don’t miss your next appointment. " Ask the interviewee’s permission to record their remarks.
