How to Use Extracts to Enrich Interview Articles

When writing interview-based feature articles, the content isn’t just about telling the story of the interviewee; it’s about making that story come alive for the reader. A great way to elevate your article and engage your audience is by using extracts. But how exactly can you incorporate extracts effectively? What types of extracts should you choose, and how do you balance them with your narrative? In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of extracts you can use, how they enhance your interview article, and tips for selecting the best ones to keep your readers hooked.

Types of extracts to include 🔗

Extracts are essentially excerpts or snippets from your interview, other sources, or historical data that provide additional layers of meaning to your article. Using extracts can make your feature article richer and more engaging. There are several types of extracts you can include, depending on the context of your article and the nature of the interview. Let’s break down a few popular types:

1. Chronologies 🔗

Chronologies offer a structured timeline of events, showcasing the flow of important milestones in a person’s life or career. When writing an interview-based article, inserting a chronology can provide readers with a clear context of the interviewee’s journey. For instance, if your interviewee is a filmmaker, including a chronology of their career milestones-from their first movie to their latest project-can help readers better appreciate the significance of their achievements and insights shared in the interview.

Example: Imagine you’re interviewing an author about their most recent book. Including a chronology of their previous works, publishing history, and the evolution of their writing style will help readers understand the author’s growth and how this new book fits into their larger narrative.

2. Quotes 🔗

Quotes are perhaps the most common and powerful type of extract used in interview articles. A well-chosen quote can instantly capture the essence of the interviewee’s personality, beliefs, or experiences. Including direct quotes from your subject not only brings their voice into the article but also adds authenticity and emotional resonance.

Example: A famous sports personality might say, “Winning isn’t everything, but it’s the difference between trying your best and giving up,” a quote that could become the anchor for a piece discussing the mental side of sports. The right quote can add weight to your article, encouraging readers to reflect on the message being shared.

3. Lists of works or achievements 🔗

Including a list of works or achievements is particularly useful when your subject has a long history of accomplishments. This is often seen in profiles of authors, actors, or musicians. Not only does it serve as a quick reference for the reader, but it can also highlight the impact or significance of the interviewee’s contributions in their field.

Example: If you’re interviewing a renowned musician, a list of their discography, major awards, or iconic performances can underscore their achievements. These extracts can give context to the ideas or experiences shared during the interview, helping readers see the bigger picture.

4. Anecdotes or personal stories 🔗

Personal anecdotes are small but powerful extracts that add warmth and relatability to your article. These extracts can show the interviewee’s personal side, offering insights that might not be captured in a formal conversation. Anecdotes help humanize the interview subject and make the story more accessible.

Example: If you’re interviewing a chef, an anecdote about the first dish they ever cooked or a funny experience in their kitchen could make the article feel more intimate and connect with the readers on an emotional level.

Enhancing reader engagement with extracts 🔗

Extracts aren’t just filler-they serve as a powerful tool to engage readers and make your article stand out. By carefully selecting extracts, you can offer readers a deeper understanding of your subject and keep them invested throughout the article. Let’s dive into how extracts enhance engagement:

1. Providing context 🔗

One of the main purposes of extracts is to provide context. While the interview itself gives readers direct insights from the interviewee, extracts such as chronologies, quotes, or lists of works offer background information that enriches the main narrative. They help to flesh out the story, ensuring that readers understand the significance of the subject matter, even if it’s a niche topic or a less-known individual.

Example: If your article is about an artist, you can include a quote from an art critic that contextualizes the artist’s work in the broader art world. This adds layers to the article, ensuring that readers not only hear from the artist but also understand how the artist fits into the larger art landscape.

2. Breaking up the text 🔗

Long paragraphs of text can be daunting for readers, and sometimes, the pace of an article might start to drag. Extracts help break up the monotony of the narrative, making the article feel more dynamic. By using quotes, lists, or even anecdotes, you can create a rhythm that keeps the reader interested. This also adds variety to your writing, mixing storytelling with factual data, making it more enjoyable and engaging to read.

3. Adding charm and personality 🔗

Extracts give a glimpse into the personality of your interviewee, and sometimes, the best extracts are those that reveal something unexpected or endearing. A sharp or witty quote can bring a sense of charm to your article, making it memorable to the reader. This human element is what often draws readers back to your work or gives them a reason to recommend the article to others.

Example: If you’re interviewing a comedian, their sharp humor can come through in their quotes, making the article not just informative but also fun to read.

Selecting the right extracts 🔗

Choosing the right extracts can be tricky, as you don’t want to overwhelm your readers with too many details or stray from the main theme of your article. It’s all about balance and relevance. Here are some tips to help you select the most appropriate extracts:

1. Relevance to the main topic 🔗

When selecting extracts, ask yourself: Does this add to the overall story or theme of the article? Extracts should directly relate to the main focus of the interview. If your article is about a politician’s perspective on climate change, then a list of their legislative actions related to environmental policy would be highly relevant. Avoid including extracts that might distract from the article’s focus or make the reader lose track of the narrative thread.

2. Length and impact 🔗

Extracts, particularly quotes, should be impactful but not overly long. A concise but powerful quote is far more effective than a lengthy one. Similarly, when using lists or chronologies, ensure that they are brief and to the point. Too much information can overwhelm the reader, making the article feel cluttered and hard to follow.

Tip: Always remember that extracts are meant to enhance the story, not overpower it. Choose extracts that can stand on their own but still fit seamlessly into the larger narrative.

3. Variety and balance 🔗

Include a variety of extract types to keep your article balanced. For instance, you might use a chronology to provide context, followed by a personal quote that reveals an emotional insight. A well-rounded combination of extracts can engage readers on different levels-intellectually, emotionally, and visually. For instance, while quotes provide voice and personality, lists or facts provide structure and clarity.

4. Clarity and accuracy 🔗

Accuracy is crucial when selecting extracts. Ensure that quotes are correctly attributed and facts are double-checked. Extracts should always be true to the interviewee’s voice or to the source they come from. Misquoted information or misleading facts can discredit your work and damage your credibility as a writer.

Conclusion 🔗

Using extracts in interview-based articles is an excellent way to add depth, personality, and context to your writing. By carefully selecting and integrating extracts such as quotes, chronologies, lists of works, or personal anecdotes, you can make your feature article more engaging and informative. However, it’s important to choose extracts that complement your narrative, not overwhelm it. Strive for balance and relevance, and remember that the goal is to enhance your reader’s understanding and enjoyment of the article.

What do you think? Have you ever read an interview article where an extract made a huge impact on your understanding or enjoyment of the content? How do you usually decide what extracts to use in your own writing?