Interview Tips

Oral History Project

Interview Tips

Introduce yourself. When you meet the person you will be interviewing, introduce yourself and thank the person for agreeing to do the interview.
Request consent. Go over the " Interview Consent Form" with the interviewee. This form is extremely important. Explain the ways the recorded and transcribed interview could possibly be used in the future. The interviewee must sign the form if he or she agrees to allow the interview to be used.
Prepare the person. Read the following statement to the person you are interviewing. This opening will give that person some specific directions.

Thank you for participating in this interview. I'd like you to share your stories and memories about your World War II experience. The more specific you can be about details, the better. Please do most of the talking. I will only ask occasional questions. Please speak loudly enough so the recorder can pick up your voice.
Start the tape recorder. When you are ready to start the interview, MAKE SURE THE TAPE RECORDER IS TURNED ON AND THE TAPE IS RUNNING. (If you are using two tape recorders, make sure both of them are running.) It is sometimes beneficial to have a friend go along to the interview. Then he or she can keep an eye on the recorders, so you can focus on listening and asking questions. Set the tape recorder close to the person who is talking.
Record an opening statement about whom. Begin the interview by saying, "I'm speaking with who is going to share his/her experiences from (e.g., Secret Wars from Laos, World War II, Vietnam War).
Let the interviewee talk. Remember, the interviewee should do most of the talking. You should mostly be listening.
Show interest. Make sure to show you are interested in what the person is saying. Sometimes the person might talk for a long time, and your body language needs to indicate your interest. You can do this by giving eye contact and nodding your head occasionally.
Ask questions. When the interviewee stops talking, you can ask a few "open-ended questions" to prompt the person to provide further information.
Show respect and empathy. Remember, you are asking the interviewee to talk about a topic that may be sensitive to him or her. It is extremely important to be sensitive and respectful at all times. Try to put yourself in the person's shoes, and think about how difficult the experience must have been.
Ask this final question. Do you have a message for young people today?
Complete the information sheet. After the interview is over, complete the "Interviewee Information Sheet" with the person.
Shoot a picture. Take two pictures of the person after the interview. (Take the pictures from the shoulders up.)
Thank the person. Express your appreciation for the time and energy the person gave as well as for his or her willingness to share personal information.

What Are Oral Histories

Step 1: The Pre-Interview Stage

Step 2: Preparing for the Interview

Step 3: Conducting the Interview

Step 4: After the Interview

Suggestions For Using Oral Histories

Interview Consent Form

Interviewee Information

Transcribing Directions