Read on Twitter
I was recently interviewed about something painful in my life. I learned more about how not to be an interviewer than anything I've read/practiced. This is a devastating time for so many, and people don't owe us their stories. Some insights on how to be respectful & empowering:
I don't believe the person who interviewed me had ill-intentions; they just weren't educated.
When you're interviewing someone who has experienced trauma, ask two questions before you begin:
1. Are you in a safe place? (applies to phone interviews)
When you're interviewing someone who has experienced trauma, ask two questions before you begin:
1. Are you in a safe place? (applies to phone interviews)
2. If we talk about something that triggers you, is there someone you can call/talk to?
General tips:
3. DO NOT go into the interview with a list of scripted questions, as if the person is a data point. Let them lead.
4. Don't insist when they don't respond coherently to a ?
General tips:
3. DO NOT go into the interview with a list of scripted questions, as if the person is a data point. Let them lead.
4. Don't insist when they don't respond coherently to a ?
5. NEVER interrupt. Not even to clarify. Listen, wait for a pause, then ask follow-up questions. "Hey, is it ok if I ask you more about TK?"
6. Check-in: "Are you doing ok? Do you need a break?" This is esp. important in phone interviews, as it's harder to pick up on social cues
6. Check-in: "Are you doing ok? Do you need a break?" This is esp. important in phone interviews, as it's harder to pick up on social cues
7. If, once you've shared the purpose of the interview & gone through informed consent, someone decides they want to speak with you on background/anonymously, respect that. Never pressure or act disappointed.
8. Don't say "I understand," and refer back to yourself or an experience you had, as if you're trying to relate. DO NOT DO THIS.
9. Maybe the person decides the interview is too much and they want to end it abruptly (I did this), check-in with them after & see if they're ok.
9. Maybe the person decides the interview is too much and they want to end it abruptly (I did this), check-in with them after & see if they're ok.
I do my best to practice trauma-informed interviewing when I speak with people who've suffered/experienced pain in their lives, and often it can feel abstract. Colleagues have commented that I take too long to go through informed consent and I'm too soft. Now I know why I do it.
It took days to get over this feeling that I'd been stripped of my power. If you're looking for more resources, @itsjina website is a wealth of knowledge. She's led the path as has @stillsarita on how to be a thoughtful, ethical reporter while producing beautiful, impactful work.
@DartCenter is also a treasure trove of information. @LaurenMarkham_ shared that she does an exercise with students who interview each other about a challenge in their lives, read back quotes, etc. Each of us should have this experience.
We must empower others to share their stories or we don't deserve them. Fin.
Since I have you here, I'm looking into the possibility of doing a training on trauma-aware journalism skills. I don't have details at the moment, but if this is something you might be interested in, please inbox me your e-mail address and I'll pass along info when I have it. 
