Start with easier questions, then move to most difficult ones

Don’t start by asking the WW II vet how he felt about his friends dying. Start with less-emotionally laden ones and move on to more difficult ones. Then end with easier questions so your source will have a chance to emotionally decompress.

Take notes unobtrusively

Try to place your notebook out of the source's immediate line of sight. Otherwise, your source has the tendency to look at your notes, wondering what you’re writing. Occasionally you'll need to glance down and thus call attention to the fact that you're taking notes, but that beats making it obvious that you're doing so.

Ask permission before taping

You must ask permission before taping and get the source's permission on tape. Never secretly record an interview. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to record a conversation without the permission of all parties concerned. Even if you do tape an interview, be sure you still take notes.

Let your source do most of the talking

It's understandable that someone would want to impress a source with their knowledge, but doing so is a sure way to get the source to clam up. The source soon thinks, "Why do I need to tell this person anything? They already know all about the issue." So let your source talk, even if you already know some of what he's telling you.

Look for good quotes

Sources invariably provide a mixture of facts and opinions. You're looking for opinions, thoughts, and feelings, not mere facts. Keep an ear open for effective quotes and incorporate them into your writing.

Get written materials, if available

Often a source will say something like, "I have some information here that explains the background." Take that information. You'll find it invaluable.

Ask two final questions

There are two questions you should ask your sources at the end of every interview. The first is "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" The second question is, "May I call you if I happen to think of any more questions?" As you work on your story, you'll sometimes think of other questions you wished you had asked and you'll want to talk to the source again. I've never had anyone refuse this request.

Respect the source's wishes

It's fairly rare, but occasionally a source will ask to speak "off the record." This means he is giving you information that sheds light or background on the issue but he doesn't want that information to be in print. If that happens, respect the source's wishes.

Keep your ears open after the interview

When I was a reporter, part of my regular routine consisted of covering weekly city commission sessions. Naturally, I took extensive notes during the commission session, but I also approached the commissioners afterward to ask questions and chat. I found I'd get the best quotes during that informal time after the meeting had officially ended. The commissioners were more relaxed, less on guard than during the meeting itself. The same principle applies to any interview. There's usually a time when the interview is seemingly over, but you haven't gotten around to leaving yet. Keep alert during that time; you may find you'll get some of the best information then.