In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in two very distinct types of interviews using online capabilities. The first uses instant messaging software on Web sites devoted to a particular subject. The questions may come from a reporter and/or the audience. Chatting this way requires the ability to type short answers quickly, and you should have some prepared for the questions you think you will get. You can refer the audience to further detail on your Web site. If you can exploit this medium, you will probably find yourself way ahead of your competitors.

You can also conduct interviews by e-mail (this is especially acceptable to small publications that otherwise would not deserve time with a business leader, for example). While these could take place live, that is not the best way to use this opportunity. Instead, have the reporter submit questions; you can type up answers at your leisure on a laptop or BlackBerry while waiting for a meeting or when you are flying. This allows you to spend more time thinking about the proper response. You will need to allow further exchanges for clarification and expansion of the answers. E-mailed interviews generally come out more articulate and accurate, since a publicist can help the interviewee with background for answers. To make them seem like a real conversation, make the wording informal.