Description

Stage 7 in the information interview is presenting the report.

Presenting the report is the last stage in the information interview. This is a crucial stage in that the information "goes public." How effectively you present your report will largely determine the impact of the information on others.

Below are several hypothetical situations. For each situation, brainstorm for ways to present the information interview report. Remember to keep in mind the audience, topic, assignment requirements, and your own communication skills.

Creativity in Presenting the Report

This activity has no set answers. Use the situations below to brainstorm for different strategies in presenting the information interview report.

Situation 1

You have completed several information interviews with health care providers, focusing on the impact of new communication technologies on health care, for a journalism class. Your instructor has given you the choice of completing a written or oral report. What would be the best format for your presentation? How might you include multiple modes of communication?

Situation 2

Recent military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to an increased interest in the experiences of World War II veterans. You have interviewed several veterans from your hometown and are ready to present your report to the town's residents. What would be the best format for your presentation? What would be the most-effective venue? How might you integrate multiple media to form a coherent presentation?

Situation 3

The number of people who participated in demonstrations calling for dramatic changes in the U.S. immigration system surprised even organizers. In your report for a class on the immigration and human rights, you interview several people who took part in the Los Angeles demonstrations, as well as those who advocate stricter immigration laws. How can you best present these differing views? What format will best help your classmates understand the complexities underlying the conflicts associated with immigration?

Situation 4

The company for which you work is planning an intensive software upgrade in all parts of the organization. You work in human resources and have been assigned the task of making the transition go as smoothly as possible. You have conducted several focus group interviews as well as individual interviews with key organization members to identify possible problem areas and suggest ways to avoid those problems. Your report will be presented to the organization's top management. All employees will receive an executive summary. How will you present your report? What will work for management? For employees?

Presenting the report is the stage in the information interview when you "go public" with your findings. Although this is generally the only stage of the interview process in which your audience participates, the six previous stages provide the foundation for your presentation. Thus, the effectiveness of your presentation is dependent on how well you have: stated the interview's purpose, researched the topic, selected interviews, structured the interview, conducted the interview, and prepared the report.