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I actually think being the quiet, shy, type is an asset as a journalist. Everyone seems to think that the only way to get a good quote or response is to take the 60-minutes approach: corner the sucker, stick the microphone in his face and ask The Tough Question.
I have used that approach a couple of times in my career. But it does not work if you are going for in-depth reporting or a profile, even of a loathsome character.
I have actually found that holding back, being quiet works quite well. Some of my best material has come forth after a source or subject has said something and I fail to come up with another question. That is, an uncomfortable silence ensues. I fumble. I let the silence extend -- and then the source will blurt something out, elaborating on what they just said or taking the discussion to a new place.
Not only does that lead to good quotes, but it often takes the story in a direction you never imagined. It's my Miles Davis technique. He played with silence, after all.
Sam Fromartz
author: Organic Inc.
