The Street Interview — an interview with someone on the streets — is one of the top types of pieces that we are looking for on Speak Up.

Here are the basics of how to approach it.

Structure (2 Parts)

Part 1 - Written Introduction

150-250 words that bring the reader into the scene and setting and give some background. Help them orient and see (visually!) what the reporter is seeing as well.

• Use the sense to capture the scene — describe the street, the subject, their belongings. Capture the smell in the air, the taste in your mouth.

• Describe the day, the weather

• Share something positive (that is observable) about the person

• Give context about the homeless situation in that region or city

• Can write in first-person or third-person, whichever best fits.

Part 2 - Straight Q & A

• Write out word-for-word the interview with the subject

  • Example —

    You: What’s your story?

    Them: Well, it all started when I got divorced…

    You: What are you thankful for today?

    Them: Fortunately I have a lot of friends who…

• Note: to get this accurately, you’ll need to record it. (Or video.)

• This part — the “straight Q & A” — is really important to include.

Photos

Include Five Photos

• 2 portrait photos of the subject

• 1 wide shot giving broader street context (can be from 20-50+ feet away)

• 2 close ups of different things... their hands, posessions, a book, a flower in the sidewalk, etc.

Payment

• $30

• Add $5 for the audio file or video file

Notes

• You must have permission from the subject to publish the story and accompanying media.