State your name, newspaper, and purpose. Hello, my name is John Smith and I am a reporter for The Spectator. I'm writing an article about Mr. Doe's retirement, and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions. Before conducting an interview, a reporter must be clear about on the record, off the record, and background information with the source. Refer to Attribution.
Direct quotes are the result of taking good notes.
You don't have to write superfast or learn shorthand to take good notes. When a person is speaking, a reporter should write down the most important points. After the interview, the reporter can fill in the rest. Don't be afraid to ask your interviewee to slow down. Get the interviewee's phone number in case you have to check a fact or get additional information.