How To Cite An Interview You Conducted

Hey there, curious mind! So, you've conducted an interview, huh? High-five! Now, let's chat about how to cite it properly. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's dive in.

Why Bother Citing?

You might be thinking, "Who cares? It's my interview!" Well, imagine you're at a party, and someone asks about your interview. You can't just say, "Oh, this amazing person said this incredible thing!" and leave it at that. You've gotta give credit where it's due, right?

Citing your interview shows respect for the interviewee, builds trust with your audience, and avoids plagiarism. Plus, it makes you look super professional. So, let's get to it!

Who's Talking?

First things first, you need to know who you're talking about. Are you citing a specific person, or just the interview in general? Let's say you interviewed Jane Doe.

If you're talking about something Jane said, you'd write: (Doe, personal communication, [date]). If you're just talking about the interview, you'd write: (Interview with Doe, [date]).

When and Where?

Now, let's talk dates and places. When did this magical conversation happen? And where? If it was in person, just write the city and state. If it was online, you can leave that out.

Here's an example: (Interview with Doe, March 15, 2022, New York).

Mla Citation Of An Interview | How to Cite an Interview in MLA Style

Quoting vs. Paraphrasing

Alright, now let's chat about when to use quotes and when to paraphrase. If you're using a direct quote, put it in quotation marks and add the page number (if applicable) after the citation.

For example: "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." (Doe, personal communication, March 15, 2022, New York, p. 5).

If you're paraphrasing, just add the citation at the end of the sentence. For instance: According to Doe, life has a way of happening when we're focused on other things (Doe, personal communication, March 15, 2022, New York).

Formatting

Lastly, let's talk formatting. Most styles (like APA, MLA, or Chicago) have specific rules for citing interviews. But don't worry, they're not that scary. Just Google "[style] interview citation" and follow the guidelines.

And there you have it! You're now a citing pro. Go forth, share your interview, and make the world a more informed place. Cheers!