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''• A release form giving your permission to share the content of the interview (see Appendix C.)'' | ''• A release form giving your permission to share the content of the interview (see Appendix C.)'' | ||
==At the Interview== | == At the Interview == | ||
At the interview be relaxed and alert. It is best not to spend too much time taking notes. Jot down what you need to remember, but for the most part you should look at the interviewee and listen carefully to what is said. The following recommendations will help you in your interview. | |||
''' | '''Be on Time''' You will have a more successful interview if you minimize inconvenience to the person you interview. | ||
'''Set up | '''Set up a Good Rapport''' Thank the person you interview for his or her time, and spend two or three minutes chatting before you set up your equipment. | ||
''' | '''Set up Your Recording Equipment''' Choose a room where your interviewee is comfortable. To minimize distractions and obtain the best recording possible, avoid rooms with loud ticking clocks or other noises. You also might want to turn off any telephone ringers during the interview. Sometimes wrapping a towel around the microphone will cut down on background noise. (If you use this technique, try it beforehand to ensure it works with your recording equipment.) Be sure to test the microphone before the interview to make sure it works properly. | ||
'''Start Asking Your Questions''' | '''Record the Details of Your Interview''' Start your recording with your own voice. Explain who you are, who you are interviewing, what the date is, and where the interview is being conducted. For example: “This is John Doe. I am interviewing my grandfather William Doe. It is October 1, 2008, and we are at grandfather’s house on 8898 South Laredo Drive in Houston, Texas.” You can then test your equipment by playing back what you have just recorded. | ||
During the interview itself, your job is to help your subject feel comfortable and willing to talk. Once comfortable, most people do not have any problem talking about their life experiences. As you progress with your interview, keep in mind the following points: | |||
'''Start Asking Your Questions''' During the interview itself, your job is to help your subject feel comfortable and willing to talk. Once comfortable, most people do not have any problem talking about their life experiences. As you progress with your interview, keep in mind the following points: | |||
'''''• Make a note of anything that may need clarification.''' Instead of interrupting while your interviewee is talking, make a quick note of things you do not understand and ask for clarification later in the interview.'' | '''''• Make a note of anything that may need clarification.''' Instead of interrupting while your interviewee is talking, make a quick note of things you do not understand and ask for clarification later in the interview.'' | ||
'''''• Stay alert for signs of fatigue.''' If the person you are interviewing shows signs of fatigue and is not refreshed by a bathroom break or a drink of water, you may need to finish your interview at a different time.'' | '''''• Stay alert for signs of fatigue.''' If the person you are interviewing shows signs of fatigue and is not refreshed by a bathroom break or a drink of water, you may need to finish your interview at a different time.'' | ||
'''''• Ask final questions.''' About 10 or 20 minutes before your scheduled time is over, you can direct questions you might have. | '''''• Ask final questions.''' About 10 or 20 minutes before your scheduled time is over, you can direct questions you might have. Also ask about anything you feel needs clarification and how to spell the names of people and places mentioned in the interview.'' | ||
'''''• Finish up.''' Immediately label your audio or video tape. Your label should include the same information you provided at the beginning of your interview—your name, the name of the person you interviewed, and the date and place of the interview. Punch out the tabs in your audio or video tape to prevent it from being recorded over. Clear out all your equipment, thank your interviewee, and offer him or her a copy of the interview itself or a transcription. If you would like to do an additional interview, try to schedule it before you leave.'' | '''''• Finish up.''' Immediately label your audio or video tape. Your label should include the same information you provided at the beginning of your interview—your name, the name of the person you interviewed, and the date and place of the interview. Punch out the tabs in your audio or video tape to prevent it from being recorded over. Clear out all your equipment, thank your interviewee, and offer him or her a copy of the interview itself or a transcription. If you would like to do an additional interview, try to schedule it before you leave.'' | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" width="500" align="left" border="1" | |||
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| bgcolor="#ffff99" | Expert Tip: Don’t be concerned about getting through your list of questions. It is more important that people you interview be allowed to talk about whatever is significant to them. They know more about their life experience than you do and often are better judges of the value of their personal knowledge. Most of all, you want the interview to be a satisfying experience for the person you interview. | |||
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==After the Interview== | ==After the Interview== | ||