The article reveals the phenomenon of the interview as a dialogic genre in the media. The authors use the theory, practice of journalistic skills and sociological research to create a new classification of interview types; and specify conditions under which an interview takes place. Particular attention is paid to the interview-portrait, which belongs to television journalistic essays. The features of an interview-portrait and its subtypes are presented. The article describes how to create this genre in accordance with the requirements of the psychology of the relationship between the addresser and the addressee, and how to use deduction and induction methods to prepare an interview-portrait. The authors consider various aspects of preparing and conducting an interview-portrait, paying attention to the addressee’s rhetoric, his verbal and non-verbal communication in order to convey to the viewer the most complete and objective picture of the hero’s life and thoughts. The authors also conclude that all types of interviews have common requirements. In the article, the authors emphasize that professional journalists must adhere to language norms and standards to ensure clear and understandable statements, and the use of specifically Ukrainian words contributes to the preservation and development of the Ukrainian language. The study resulted in the systematization of different types of interviews and the development of a methodology for preparing and conducting a portrait interview. The article is a useful source for journalists, lecturers and students of journalism who want to increase their knowledge and skills in conducting interviews, including portrait interviews.