110 INSPIRING STORIES

Interview and Writing Style Guide

REMINDERS

I.

Do some research on the subject beforehand to help prepare your

questions (this is where the basic questionnaire will come in). Each
interview will have a different set of questions depending on
the subject and their story.
Come prepared to the interview with these questions but dont stick
to them rigidly. If something they say catches your attention for the
story, do not be afraid to pursue it.
Record + take notes. Always record with the subjects permission.
Keep the interview conversational and natural.
Always keep the goal in mind: were looking for inspiring stories.
Look for angles where they were able to help others, or to overcome
a situation (which our readers can relate to), etc. A good way to
judge: if you feel uplifted, if their story inspires you in any way, then
youre on the right track. Trust your instincts as a writer and
storyteller.
Relate it to SNC/SPUS: the book is also about celebrating the
schools legacy through the lives of the people who walked its halls.
Each story must have an element about their experience, memory
or learning from school.
Basic Questionnaire (about the nominee)
Name
Age
Current Occupation
SNC/SPUS graduate batch
Family members who are also in SNC/SPUS
For those who will nominate:
a. How are you related to the nominee?
b. How does this person inspire you?
For those who want to share their story:
a. What is the experience you wish to share?
b. Why do you wish to share this with others?
Name and signature of Endorser:
Batch:
Contact details:

II.

Interview: Warm up (if needed)

A. Can you tell us a little bit about your history?
1.
Where did you grow up?
2.
What was your family and childhood like?

B. Tell us a bit about studying in SNC.

1.
What were you like as a student?
2.
What or of whom is your fondest memory?
C. What do you do now? What is your occupation?
III.

Interview: Interview Proper

A. What story would you like to share with us?
B. Why did you choose to tell this story?
C. What would you say helped them / you to achieve or
overcome this moment? (values, family, faith, etc.?)
D. Would you say that being at SNC enabled them/you to
reach/overcome this point in life? In what way?
E. What are you looking forward to now?

IV.

Writing
1. Format
A. Name of Subject
B. Article Title
C. Story proper
2. Language
Simple, straightforward
3. Tonality
Warm, optimistic, relatable.
4. Style
Always in 3rd person
Narrative and objective