Reporter Skills Equal LIfe Skills
From celebrities to hard news, this Kid Reporter has done it all.
What I learned the most from being a kid reporter was how to conduct a good interview.
Conducting an effective interview is one of the key skills to being a good journalist. Knowing what questions to ask and how to ask them will help you get better information and better quotes—whether you’re working on an article, blog post, or video.
As a Kid Reporter this 2009-2010 school year, I’ve gotten a lot of practice and coaching at interviewing. For me, however, learning how to conduct a good interview isn’t just a skill I need as a reporter. Knowing how to get information from people by asking good questions is a skill that can help you socially and academically.
I’ve also learned how to be more comfortable talking to people. I remember that when I was 9 years old, my step-dad took me to the premiere of the movie Tale of Despereaux and I met Emma Watson. She portrays Princess Pea, but is better known for her role as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter.
Looking back on it, I remember being very shy and nervous, which is really embarrassing. That was before I was a Kid Reporter. Things are different now. Recently, I was complimented by actor Keke Palmer—whom I’m a fan of—after a recent interview.
“You’re so well spoken,” she said.
My experience as a Kid Reporter has been absolutely wonderful. I’ve gotten the opportunity to go to cool events such as the Kids Choice Awards and the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. And I've met a ton of interesting and fun people.
I know the next set of Kid Reporters will be just as fortunate as I am. Want to be one of them? The application process just started! You can find instructions for how to enter here.
PHOTO: Kid Reporter Miranda Rector at one of the many movie press days she covered during the last year. Los Angeles Kid Reporters get to do a LOT of fun events like the press day for Fantastic Mr. Fox. (Photo Courtesy Miranda Rector)
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