Today’s big news story is the blatant lie by Kellyanne Conway during an interview on US television, when she created the Bowling Green Massacre.
Apparently it wasn’t covered.
Seriously, a terrorist attack not covered by news organisations? I think not.
Watching the interview online, it is clear MSNBCs Chris Matthews is flustered by this fairytale.
When he should have said āPlease elaborateā, he didn’t.
Maybe he didn’t want to look foolish on live television.
Who can blame him for being thrown off his game when faced with a blatant lie.
Apparently she meant to say Bowling Green terrorists. A duo who never planned an attack on US soil!
The key thing trainees should take from this is never be afraid to ask something outside your plan.
Prepare and listen are key when interviewing.
Prepare your questions in advance, have an idea of where you’re going and want to go.
However, listen for the cues telling you the story is going in a different direction.
Listen to what the interviewee says and question and ask them to expand on information you don’t know.
Itās better to get it right than keep quiet for fear of looking foolish.
For the past 18 months Iāve moderated on and been interviewed by junior reporters taking their NQJ senior journalist exams.
There are times when a look of panic crosses their face as they realise I’ve given them something and they need to go off piste.
Some hold on to their list of questions for dear life.
Those who pass spot the cue and follow the new line.
They get all the information and the keys to a great story.
