Summarizing Interview Information

One of the biggest temptations for beginning researchers/organizers is to tell your audience EVERYTHING that your interviewee/subject said in the interview. This is a huge waste of time: of yours and the reader's.

Once you have conducted your interview, read over your notes and listen to the recording (if there is one.)
Jot down or highlight your first impressions.
What really stood out?
How would you describe your subject's mood (cooperative, resistant, a bit of both... USE YOUR OWN WORDS; I DON'T WANT TO READ 30 PAPERS WITH IDENTICAL REPORTS ON THE COOPERATIVENESS OF SUBJECTS...) etc.
How informed about the health topic do you feel they were? (Give examples that illustrate this)
How informed were they about the work that their group or organization does to address the health topic? (Give examples...)
As a community organizer, how would you judge the subject's potential helpfulness in getting things done...

After these general impressions, go in for the detailed information.
What information did you collect for each question?
Specific information is important here.

Summarize the answers to specific questions along these lines. Use a narrative format (don't list questions and answers...)
Joe Johnson has worked at the Coalition for three years. He got involved first as a volunteer, then he worked part-time and eventually started full time three years ago. He said he likes his work. "I feel it is very rewarding when I see my clients' make progress." He feels the Coalition does a good job addressing the health issue (quote). He thinks they could do a better job if they had more community support and funding. But he wasn't very sure about sources of funding, when asked. He said his group could use some help from the local health department in identifying funding sources and writing grant proposals.
And so forth... You get the idea.

Bottom Line Idea: Interview data (the words the subject said, the information they gave you) is YOUR raw materials to build what you want. The answers are the raw ingredients for the dish you are cooking. You will not use ALL of the sugar, just as much as you need. Same with the flour and the salt and the other ingredients. So choose your materials wisely.