For instance, what about this part here . . . Ask the official why he fired the whistle-blower rather than asking whether he did the deed. The question presumes you already know even if you don t have it confirmed. It doesn t hurt to say you need the person s help. When the door is slammed in your face, try again a day or two later.
People change their minds.
It sheds light on credibility, extracts more detail and is a door opener to other sources. When people reach the important part of a story, slow them down so you can get it in technicolor. You and the interview subject will then re-enter the scene and walk through it together. If this fails, tell them it is not working. I m trying, but I just can t picture it yet.