Take Short Interview Notes

Reporters, scientists, and historians all have something in common — they ask people questions and write down what they learn. That skill is called an interview. When you interview someone, you ask planned questions, listen carefully to their answers, and take short notes so you can remember and share what you heard. The secret? You don't write everything — you write only the most important fact.

Step 1 — Prepare your questions before the interview

• Good interview questions use question words: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
• Write your questions out before you start so you do not forget what to ask.
• Avoid yes/no questions. Compare "Do you like your job?" (yes/no) vs. "What do you enjoy most about your job?" (open answer).

Step 2 — Listen and jot, do not copy

• Listen first — then write. You cannot listen and copy at the same time.
• Write short notes using key words and phrases, not full sentences.
• Use abbreviations and symbols to write faster: w/ = with, b/c = because, arrow = leads to, + = and.

Step 3 — Write the key fact

• After you hear the answer, ask yourself: "What is the single most important piece of information here?"
• A key fact is a short phrase or sentence in your own words that captures the main idea of the answer.
• Example full answer: "We practice fire drills every month so that everyone knows what to do." Key fact: "fire drills every month keep everyone prepared."

The three-part interview notes template

• Question — the question you asked (written before the interview).
• Notes — short key words you jotted while listening.
• Key fact — the single most important idea, in your own words.