What strategies can you use to get sources to speak on sensitive issues?

1 Build rapport

Before you ask any sensitive questions, you need to establish a rapport with your source. This means showing genuine interest, respect, and empathy for their situation and perspective. You can do this by listening actively, using open-ended questions, acknowledging their emotions, and avoiding judgment or assumptions. You can also share some relevant information about yourself or your work to create a connection and show credibility.

2 Explain your purpose

Your source needs to understand why you want to talk to them and what you plan to do with their information. You should explain your purpose clearly and honestly, and how their contribution can make a difference or help others. You should also inform them about the potential risks and benefits of speaking to you, and how you will protect their identity and data if they request it. You should never pressure or coerce your source to speak, but rather invite them to participate voluntarily.

3 Respect their boundaries

Your source has the right to decide what they want to share and what they want to keep private. You should respect their boundaries and never push them to reveal more than they are comfortable with. You should also give them the option to pause, stop, or withdraw from the interview at any time, and let them know how they can contact you later if they change their mind. You should also avoid asking questions that are irrelevant, intrusive, or sensationalist.

4 Follow ethical guidelines

As a journalist, you have a responsibility to follow ethical guidelines when reporting on sensitive issues. This means verifying your facts, avoiding harm, respecting privacy, and seeking consent. You should also be aware of the legal and cultural implications of your work, and how it may affect your source and their community. You should also be transparent about your sources, methods, and editorial decisions, and correct any errors or omissions.

5 Provide support

Your source may experience emotional distress or trauma as a result of speaking to you. You should provide support and resources to help them cope and recover. You can do this by thanking them for their time and courage, offering feedback or follow-up, and referring them to professional or peer support services if needed. You should also monitor your own well-being and seek support if you feel overwhelmed or affected by your work.

6 Learn from others

You can improve your skills and knowledge by learning from other journalists who have experience in reporting on sensitive issues. You can read their stories, watch their interviews, or attend their workshops or webinars. You can also join networks or groups that offer guidance, training, or mentoring on how to handle sensitive issues. You can also seek feedback or advice from your colleagues, editors, or experts on how to approach or improve your work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?