Mastering Street Interviews

Summary

In this NBCU Academy video, Von Hilliard explains the best practices for conducting Man on the Street (MOS) interviews. He emphasizes the importance of human interaction, obtaining clear permission, and focusing on the 5Ws and 1H when asking questions. The video covers key tips, such as choosing appropriate locations, approaching diverse participants, and keeping interviews brief and respectful. Hilliard also advises avoiding complex questions and ensuring a mix of viewpoints, especially in political reporting. Ultimately, the goal is to capture authentic public reactions and opinions while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 An MOS (Man on the Street) interview is a way to gather public opinion or reactions to events or topics, typically done outside with random people on the street.
• 😀 MOS interviews are commonly used to gauge public interest in political candidates or issues by gathering diverse opinions from the general public.
• 😀 While MOS interviews are valuable for capturing public sentiment, they should not be the sole basis of a story; public officials, experts, and data should also be consulted.
• 😀 When preparing for an MOS, ensure you have a good microphone for clear audio and choose an appropriate location relevant to the topic or story.
• 😀 Approach people with respect and avoid ambushing them; introduce yourself and ask for permission before recording their responses.
• 😀 Focus on the 5Ws and 1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) to structure your questions and gather key information from participants.
• 😀 Keep MOS interviews brief and relevant, and always ask for their names and how to spell them accurately.
• 😀 Ensure diversity in your MOS participants by interviewing individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, genders, and political views to get a well-rounded perspective.
• 😀 Avoid asking overly complex questions in an MOS; save those for experts or public officials. Your role is to listen, not to argue or change people's minds.
• 😀 If someone is hesitant to speak, remind them that the microphone is theirs to express their thoughts freely and that their opinion is valuable for the story.
• 😀 The value of MOS interviews lies in listening to the people and capturing authentic public reactions, as they help tell the real story of what the public thinks or feels.

Q & A

What is an MOS (Man on the Street) interview?

An MOS (Man on the Street) interview involves interviewing members of the public to gather their reactions to major events or to get their opinion on specific topics. It is a method used in journalism to capture public sentiment and eyewitness accounts.

Why should MOS not be the backbone of a news story?

MOS interviews should not be the backbone of a news story because they represent personal opinions and are not backed by official data, experts, or public officials. It is important to balance MOS content with reliable sources of information.

How do you approach someone for an MOS interview?

When approaching someone for an MOS interview, it’s important not to ambush them. You should introduce yourself, ask for their permission to be on camera, and explain the purpose of the interview before asking questions.

What are the key components of a good MOS interview?

A good MOS interview should cover the 5Ws and 1H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Additionally, you should gather basic information such as the person's name, how they spell it, and any relevant demographic information if necessary.

What is an example of a good location for conducting MOS interviews?

Good locations for MOS interviews include places with a diverse public, such as Lowe's or Home Depot parking lots, DMVs, or post offices. These places offer a mix of individuals who may have relevant opinions on various topics.

How can you ensure diversity in your MOS interviews?

To ensure diversity in MOS interviews, aim to include participants from different ethnic backgrounds, genders, and political affiliations. This ensures a broad range of viewpoints, especially when covering topics like politics.

What should you avoid when conducting MOS interviews?

When conducting MOS interviews, avoid asking overly complex questions, as they are better suited for experts. Also, don't argue with participants or try to change their minds. Instead, listen to their opinions and respect their thoughts.

What should you do if someone is hesitant to participate in an MOS interview?

If someone is hesitant to participate in an MOS interview, reassure them that their voice is valuable and that you want to share their perspective. Let them know that you are simply asking for their thoughts, not telling them what to say.

Why is it important to focus on public opinion in MOS interviews?

Public opinion is important in MOS interviews because it reflects the views and feelings of everyday people. These interviews provide insights into what the public thinks about a specific issue or event, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the story.

What role does the journalist play in an MOS interview?

The journalist's role in an MOS interview is to facilitate the conversation, ask open-ended questions, and listen to the interviewee's perspective. Journalists should ensure that the interview is accurate and respectful, allowing the public to share their views.