In journalism, interviews are the bread and butter of storytelling. They are windows into the lives, minds, and emotions of people, offering reporters a chance to peel back layers and uncover truths. Yet, as seasoned journalists will tell you, interviews don’t always go as planned. Awkward moments happen—questions get misunderstood, emotions run high, or technology fails at the worst possible time. These hiccups, while embarrassing, are golden opportunities to learn and grow in the field.
Here, we recount some memorable missteps during interviews and the invaluable lessons they taught.
The “Wrong Name” Incident
It was a sunny morning when Anita, a junior journalist, arrived at her scheduled interview with a prominent author. She had done her research—or so she thought. Sitting across from her guest, she began by confidently addressing him by the wrong name. The room fell silent for a beat too long, and the author raised an eyebrow before correcting her.
Lesson Learned:
Preparation is key, but double-checking is non-negotiable. Names, titles, and designations matter deeply to people. Getting them wrong not only disrupts the flow of an interview but can also come across as disrespectful. Journalists should take an extra moment to verify such details before walking into an interview.
The Emotional Explosion
During a political interview, Dan, a reporter, asked what he thought was a straightforward question about government accountability. Instead of an answer, he received an outburst. The interviewee accused him of bias and stormed out, leaving Dan bewildered. He later realized that his question unintentionally echoed a heated controversy surrounding the interviewee’s political party.
Lesson Learned:
Context matters. While it’s important to ask tough questions, understanding the subject’s sensitivities can make or break an interview. Journalists should frame questions carefully, balancing the need for accountability with an awareness of their interviewee’s emotional triggers.
When Technology Betrays You
Sophia, a freelance journalist, had just wrapped up a riveting interview with a war veteran. She had recorded the session on her phone and was thrilled with the heartfelt insights she’d captured. Back home, however, she discovered that the recorder app had crashed, leaving her with no audio.
Lesson Learned:
Never rely on a single device. Always have a backup—whether it’s a secondary recording device or handwritten notes. This not only safeguards the content but also reduces the stress of potential technical failures.
The Unintended Insult
During an interview with a community leader, Mark casually remarked, “You seem surprisingly eloquent for someone without formal education.” What he intended as a compliment landed as an insult. The leader’s demeanor turned icy, and the rest of the interview was tense.
Lesson Learned:
Words matter, and so does tone. Journalists must be mindful of how their words might be interpreted. Avoid assumptions and loaded phrases that could inadvertently offend. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in building rapport with the subject.
When Silence Says Everything
In one of her earliest interviews, Clara asked a question about a business executive’s controversial merger decision. The executive leaned back, folded his arms, and stared at her for what felt like an eternity. Clara panicked and began rambling to fill the silence, effectively answering her own question.
Lesson Learned:
Silence isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, interviewees need time to process a question, and other times, silence is their way of dodging a response. Either way, patience is key. Allowing the moment to breathe often leads to a more thoughtful answer—or reveals the subject’s reluctance to engage.
The Overloaded Question
Derek was interviewing a scientist about climate change. Nervous about the complexity of the topic, he crammed multiple questions into one: “How do you feel about the impact of fossil fuels on climate change, and do you think governments are doing enough to address it, especially with recent reports showing worsening conditions?” The scientist looked puzzled and responded, “Which part would you like me to address first?”
Lesson Learned:
Clarity is crucial. Asking one question at a time ensures that the subject can provide a focused answer. Overloading a question not only confuses the interviewee but also muddles the story you’re trying to tell.
The Uninvited Guest
During a virtual interview, Lara was deep in discussion with an entrepreneur when her cat decided to leap onto her lap, knocking over a cup of coffee. While the entrepreneur chuckled, Lara was mortified and struggled to regain her composure.
Lesson Learned:
Professionalism extends to your environment. Whether in person or online, ensuring a distraction-free setting helps maintain focus and respect. However, when mishaps occur, humor and a quick recovery can salvage the moment.
The Time Crunch
During a high-profile interview with a celebrity, Ryan tried to squeeze in too many questions within the limited time slot. The result? He barely scratched the surface of any topic, leaving both the celebrity and the audience unsatisfied.
Lesson Learned:
Prioritize your questions. When time is limited, focus on the most compelling or newsworthy topics. Depth always trumps breadth in interviews, especially when working with tight schedules.
Turning Missteps into Mastery
Every journalist has experienced moments of awkwardness or outright failure during interviews. What sets great journalists apart is their ability to reflect on these experiences and adapt. Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also stepping stones to becoming better storytellers.
Here are some overarching takeaways for navigating interviews:
- Do Your Homework: Thorough research minimizes the risk of blunders. Know your subject’s background, and anticipate potential points of tension.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: When things go wrong, keeping your composure can turn an awkward moment into a memorable one.
- Learn to Listen: Active listening allows you to pick up on nuances, clarify misunderstandings, and follow up meaningfully.
- Respect Your Subject: Building trust is essential. Treat your interviewee with dignity, regardless of the circumstances.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Some of the best stories come from unplanned detours during interviews.
Interviews are unpredictable, and no amount of preparation can guarantee perfection. Awkward moments, however, are not failures; they are opportunities to grow and refine your craft. For journalists, each misstep is a reminder of the human element in storytelling—both in the interviewer and the interviewee. After all, it’s these moments that teach us how to connect, communicate, and ultimately capture the truth.
So, the next time an interview goes sideways, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.
