Finally, instructors should emphasize their willingness to spend time outside class

with students, especially on topics such as employment interviewing, research interviewing,

and, with student reporters, journalistic interviewing. Class time is at a premium, and many

students will find the topics of their own special interest passed by too rapidly. Use office

hours to give specific students extra attention on assignments. Even though most campuses

have career centers that help with mock interviews and resume preparation, students

appreciate their instructors’ assistance with these matters, too.

We assume that instructors will use the online teaching and communication resources

available to them and their students through university-operated systems such as Blackboard,

for example, which can be used for blogging and posting of assignments, among other

features.

SYLLABUS:

INTERVIEWING

COMMUNICATION XXX

Spring 2009

Teacher

office:

phone:

e-mail:

office hours:

INTRODUCTION:
 Many people regard the interview either as a chore to be accomplished as

mechanically and systematically as possible, or as an unpleasant interrogation with

participants often feeling distrustful, fearful, and competitive. Occasionally, interviewers

assume they need to show off and impress the interviewee; too often, they assume that an

extended monologue is desirable. If things go badly, interviewees can feel “on the spot” and

defensive . . . or they can end the interview abruptly, leaving the interviewer in the lurch.

I tend to consider the interviewing situation, though, as simply a concentrated attempt

to understand another person (or his or her information) through direct and immediate
communication. This communication skill is practical for virtually every communication
professional, including journalists, managers, trainers, teachers, advertising executives, and
public relations consultants. Usually, interviews are face-to-face meetings, and they usually
involve questions to generate information about a specified topic or topics.