Wrapping up interviews

[Batman]

This is something that I pretty much suck at. I usually end up saying something like, "Well, that's about all I've got for you." What are some GOOD ways to wrap up an interview, especially on the phone?

 

[buckweaver]

Thanks for your time.

 

[spaceman]

Thanks for your time.

yup.

 

[John]

Wanna join me at the Red Lobster?

 

[tyler durden 71351]

"Is there anything you want to say that we didn't go over?" or "Anything else going on that I would be interested in?" -- if it's a source or someone you talk to regularly. Then some variation of "thanks for your help" will do it.

 

[shockey]

"anything you want to say off-the-record that i could give to a radio friend of mine?"



sorry. couldn't resist. ;D 8)

 

[jambalaya]

If you're not talking to a regular customer, so to speak, I like to ask them if they know anyone else who could comment or help on this topic. Sometimes it works and they offer people who'd never thought of before.

 

[Ellis Redding]

"That's all I need. Have a good day/night, [Name]."

 

[deadliner]

I often ask if there was something I missed or if there is anything the person would like to add. Usually, the answer is no. But you never know.

 

[Write-brained]

This is something that I pretty much suck at. I usually end up saying something like, "Well, that's about all I've got for you." What are some GOOD ways to wrap up an interview, especially on the phone?

I prefer:
"Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"

 

[ADifferentOkie]

I always finish with, "Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Sometimes you get really good stuff out of that. Most of the time not, but it leaves the opening and gives the subject the opportunity to throw in something, which I think they really value (though what they say there seldom makes it into print).
Then I ALWAYS thank them for their time. No matter the circumstances, I always feel like time is valuable and the subject didn't have to give me any of their time.

 

[Norman Stansfield]

Thanks. Now get lost, ass.

 

[Batman]

I always finish with, "Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Sometimes you get really good stuff out of that. Most of the time not, but it leaves the opening and gives the subject the opportunity to throw in something, which I think they really value (though what they say there seldom makes it into print).
Then I ALWAYS thank them for their time. No matter the circumstances, I always feel like time is valuable and the subject didn't have to give me any of their time.

I do use that one on occasion. Just been in a rut lately with the "that's all I've got" comment. Asking high school coaches for a roster or stats usually seems to be a conversation-ender too. Seems like once they get your fax number or e-mail all they want to do is get rid of you.
Much like a lot of my dates back when I was single.

 

[Bears00]

You suck. Bye. :-*

 

[fishwrapper]

Sir, have you seen my River Dance?

 

[wickedwritah]

I always finish with, "Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Sometimes you get really good stuff out of that. Most of the time not, but it leaves the opening and gives the subject the opportunity to throw in something, which I think they really value (though what they say there seldom makes it into print).
Then I ALWAYS thank them for their time. No matter the circumstances, I always feel like time is valuable and the subject didn't have to give me any of their time.

Many moons ago, a reporter gave me this bit of advice as he overheard me starting an interview with a source: "Never apologize for interrupting them. Always thank them for taking your call."

 

[jaredk]

Because questions come up during the writing that I didn't ask in the interview, and because holes in the story/column become obvious during the writing, I end every interview with a request for a phone number where I can reach the subject during the writing. I also make sure the subject knows how to reach me to add and/or clarify anything. That way, if you do make the call back (and it's somehow easier to make that call if you've already put the subject on notice that you might do it), you accomplish two important things: 1) you make the story stronger, and 2) you show the subject you're doing your damned professional best to get it right.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I always ask if there is anything else they'd like to add? Anything I missed? And always thank them for their time, before and after. And tell them if I have anything else I'll get back in touch.

And I sometimes apologize if I have to reach them at home early or late. Never know when you're waking up their kid or spouse.

Had a case the other day where we had a coach resign, but hadn't told the AD yet. So i called hime at home early the next morning (school was out for the inch of snow we had in podunk), and told him sorry for calling so early. I don't think it hurts in certain situations.

 

[Dan Hickling]

"Thanx, (fill in the blank), I appreciate it."

 

[fishwrapper]

Question. Is that?

"Thanx, (fill in the blank), I appreciate it."
or
"Thanx, [fill in the blank], I appreciate it."