Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions!
Once shy reporter leans to speak out—and get the scoop.
Before my experience as a Kid Reporter, I was very shy. I was hesitant to interact with other people and always got major butterflies when I had to give a presentation! Now I get major scoops!
I soon learned that I get the most out of my interviews when I am unafraid to ask more questions than I prepared. I also learned not to be afraid to repeat myself,or ask the person I am interviewing to speak more slowly.
When I interviewed author Pam Muñoz Ryan, I asked her about any upcoming projects. She said I was one of the first to find out about her soon-to-be-released new novel! All because I thought to ask.
You’ll find that when you ask the questions, you can gain access to awesome information and be able to write articles chock-full with fun facts that YOU discovered yourself!
Communication has other benefits as well. As a writer, I have to communicate effectively through emails and phone calls with my editor. She’s an important part of my job, and without her to answer my various questions, I’d be lost and unorganized.
In my first days as a reporter, I was constantly asking myself how long my article should be or when the next interview was scheduled. It never occurred to me that I should stop asking myself and instead ask someone who could really answer my questions!
Over the last two years, being involved in journalism has combined my love of writing with practice in communication. Good communication is a key skill for everyone, not just reporters!
Is journalism not your thing? It doesn’t have to be to learn from it. Whenever you’re confused about an assignment at school, ask your teachers. They’re always willing to help you succeed, just like the staff at Scholastic is for me!
PHOTO: Once shy, Kid Reporter Anjali Bhat now reports every chance she gets, even when on vacation at Mount Titlis in Switzerland! (Photo Courtesy Anjali Bhat)
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