Creating Oral Histories: Difference between revisions

what they will get from the interview, such as a tape recording and a transcription. If they agree to an interview,

you can then follow these steps:

After you have decided whom to interview and that person has agreed to be interviewed, arrange a place where

you will both feel comfortable and a time when you will not feel rushed. You want to find a place with minimal

initial interview. Some people will tire easily, however, especially those who are elderly or ill, and several shorter

interviews may be more effective.

The type of questions you ask at the beginning of the interview will establish a pattern for your entire interview,

so you should plan carefully. The first question or two can be simple to set the interviewee at ease. But other early

The flow of speech will often generate a series of memories that will build on each other.

There are generally three kinds of questions you can ask.

• Open-Ended Questions. Usually the most successful interview comes when the interviewee discusses whatever

is most important to him or her. You can lead an interviewee to discuss interests by asking open-ended questions,

greatest challenge as a child?” These questions require more than one or two words to answer and will encourage

the interviewee to talk. See appendix B for a list of sample questions.

appropriate if you seek specific information. For example, you might ask, “What year was Albert Smith born?” or

“Who was his father?” This type of question can help you get good information, but it won’t generate the kinds of

thoughts and memories that can come from an interview. They might be good introductory or concluding questions

and they might help provide important contextual information, but a successful interview is usually built on openended

Even though the best interview arises from open-ended questions, you can make a list of direct questions you

hope to have answered during the interview. Your interviewee may answer them without prompting during the

course of the interview. If not, the last few minutes of an interview are a good time to ask a limited amount of

direct questions.

For example, during your interview you might show a photo and ask what your interviewee knows about the people

Be sensitive about the questions you ask. If you know a certain subject will be upsetting to the interviewee, avoid

that subject or approach it carefully. Broach the subject only after you have developed sufficient rapport.

Expensive equipment is not required for oral history interviews. An inexpensive video or tape recorder and

microphone are usually all you need. Test the equipment in advance to ensure that it works properly and that