You are going to read about virtual interviews.  Before you read, check you know the meaning of these words.

Read these answers to FAQs (frequently asked questions) about conducting virtual interviews and match the questions with the appropriate answers 1-4.

Virtual interviews

1  A virtual interview is one carried out through the Internet.  It can take place in real time, using voice or text chat facilities, for example, or in delayed communication, for example by email.

2 They are more immediate and informal.  The interaction is similar to face-to-face or telephone interviews, in that you can quickly clarify points, ask follow-up questions and generally guide the interview in the way that you want.  An interesting aspect of real-time interviews is that there are a vast number of chat facilities in environments related to specific topics.  This allows you to easily find original sources.  For example, if you are writing an article on bird watching, you can go to a specialised site with a chat room and interview a birdwatcher.  When you’ve found someone to interview, you can then choose to chat privately.  On the downside, there is often a big delay between subsequent messages, which can make conducting the interview tricky, and for text chat it helps if both parties can type fast.

3 The interviewee has much more time to consider their answers.  You are likely to get more detailed, well-thought-out replies to your questions.  This can be an advantage when dealing with complicated or controversial matters.  Emails can be encrypted, so your source can be protected.  The main shortcoming is the time factor.  You may not get a prompt answer, or indeed any answer at all.  A lot of people get so many emails every day that they don’t open and read all of them.  If you’re on a tight deadline, you should probably go for real-time interviewing.

4  You should approach a potential interviewee politely, stating clearly who you are and why you are contacting them.  If they decline to be interviewed, respect their wishes.  When using email, make sure your initial message is clear and to the point.  Limit the number of questions – you can always ask more in a later message, and if you need a reply by a certain date, say so.

Now check your comprehension.  According to the FAQs, which method of communication is best in these situations, voice or text chat or email?