Interview Formats

What are Interview Formats?

Interview formats is the umbrella term for the various types of journalistic interviews. They differ by purpose, medium, and situation – from the factual expert interview to the confrontational dispute.

Interview Formats in Detail

Not every interview is the same: depending on the goal and context, different rules and demands apply. Among the most important interview formats are the expert interview (expertise), the personal or biographical interview (the person), the confrontation interview (critical engagement), the narrative interview (free narration), and the problem-centered interview (a focused question). Added to this are distinctions by medium (print, radio, TV, online) and situation (live or recorded). For the interviewee, it is important to know the respective format in advance: an expert interview requires understandable explanations, a confrontation interview composure under pressure. Those who know the format can prepare specifically, choose the fitting key messages, and adopt the right attitude. Knowing the interview formats is thus an important part of interview preparation.

In practice, it is decisive to know the respective interview format in advance, because each places different demands: an expert interview requires understandable explanations, a confrontation interview composure under pressure, a portrait personal openness. Among the most important formats are the expert interview, the personal and biographical interview, the confrontation interview, the narrative and the problem-centered interview. Added to this are distinctions by medium and by live or recording situation. Those who know the format can choose the fitting key messages, the right attitude, and the fitting strategy. A common mistake is to prepare for every format in the same way. Knowing the interview formats is thus an important part of professional interview preparation.

Why is knowing the Interview Formats important?

Knowing the interview formats helps you prepare appropriately: each format – from expert to confrontation interview – places different demands on content, attitude, and handling of questions. Those who know the format choose the right key messages and the fitting strategy.

Interview Formats – Examples in Practice

A spokesperson prepares differently for a confrontation interview than for a portrait. An expert knows that their expert interview must be generally understandable. A speaker clarifies in advance whether the interview is live or recorded.

Interview Formats: Key Features at a Glance

• Umbrella term: various types of interviews
• Examples: expert, personal, confrontation interview
• Criteria: purpose, medium, situation
• Consequence: different demands per format
• Benefit: targeted preparation possible

Related Terms

• Interview
• Expert Interview
• Biographical Interview
• Confrontation Interview
• Live Interview

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Interview Formats: Frequently Asked Questions

What are interview formats?

The umbrella term for the various types of journalistic interviews, which differ by purpose, medium, and situation.

What interview formats are there?

For example expert, personal, biographical, narrative, problem-centered, and confrontation interviews – plus distinctions by medium and live/recording situation.

Why is the interview format important?

Because each format places different demands: an expert interview requires understandable explanations, a confrontation interview composure under pressure.

How do you prepare for a particular interview format?

By clarifying the format in advance and aligning key messages, attitude, and strategy with it – part of good interview preparation.