How to record public 1-on-1 interview

[iKwak]

Two buddies and I will go out on a public, like the nearby shopping mall and will do random interviews. It will be an evangelism reachout, where we seek a person and ask them about their religion and teach them about christianity and all that good stuff.

I will take a lightweight tripod and my camcorder and 1 or 2 of the buddies will do the interview.

1) I've seen other videos online from christian website (forgot where) of their video recording of the interview. Do you normally ask the interviewee if you can record the interview first?

2) We have done the evangelism several times but this will be the first time with a camcorder. The video is to show our congregation and promote evangelism. How would you approach a person without intimidating them? We sure don't want people thinking we are soliciting them. :/

Thanks for your time.

[iKwak]

Oh and if you happen to know or find a similar video online (public interview), please let me know. Thank you.

[lordsmurf]

1. If they're in public, no. The fact that you have a camera makes this a given. If they decline the interview, that's your cue that they are not interested. A shopping mall is not "public". You need to ask management first before you do anything on their premises.

2. The first things out of you mouth should be "I'm with XYZ, and we're doing interviews for our show ZYX."

Use a microphone.

[iKwak]

Thanks for the response.
We will be outside the lunch area and not inside the actual mall but nonetheless, we will ask for their permission. I think it is a good idea to briefly introduce ourself and what our motives are for the video taping.

Ahh the microphone. I don't even have one. :/
If I were to get one, what type of mic should I get?