How to Conduct Oral Interviews

by Judy James, Director of Special Collections ASCPL

THE INTERVIEW

1. Make sure you have all necessary equipment
2. Be punctual!
3. Find a quiet comfortable spot where noise and Interruptions will be minimal
4. Explain the process briefly to the narrator
5. Set up equipment:
   Check batteries
   Test recorder
   Advance film past leader (about 10 seconds)
   Place microphone as close to the narrator as possible
6. Have narrator sign gift agreements. They keep one.
7. Look at your watch and make a mental note of the time.
8. Record intro: “This interview for the Living Memory Oral History Project is being recorded on (date) at (address of Narrators home). My name is_________ and I am interviewing____________.
9. After 25 minutes or so, look for a good time to interrupt so you can turn the tape over.
10. At conclusion record the following: “On behalf of the Akron Jewish Community High School, I would like to thank_______ for participating in the Living Memory Oral History Project. This concludes the interview”.
11. Label the tapes, and tape cases with name of project, name of narrator and date. (can do this before interview)

TIPS FOR GOOD INTERVIEWS

1. Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, although do limit your own comments and interjections such as “really”, “I see” and “uh huh”.
2. Use your prepared questions as a guide, but if the narrator strays toward an interesting tangent, let them go!
3. If they stray completely from your intended focus, bring them back gently by asking a question relevant to your project.
4. Try not to interrupt. Pauses are OK. Be sure they have finished their thoughts before you ask the next question.
5. Ask narrator to spell unusual words or proper names. If you don’t want to interrupt, jot them down and ask after the interview.