Questions about Oral History


Where and how should I conduct the interview?

Do the interview in a quiet, comfortable place. Position the tape recorder so the microphone can register the voice of each participant. Be sure you can still see the recorder. Periodically monitor it throughout the interview and be prepared to stop when necessary.

What do I do if my subject seems nervous?

Spend a few minutes chatting with your subject before you turn on the tape recorder. Don't actually start the interview, just make conversation until you sense that she has relaxed.

What do I do if the conversation goes off on a tangent?

Don't worry if your subject's mind wanders a bit—and if you find yourself encouraging her. Sometimes that's how you get the best information. If the discussion digresses too far from the interview topic, just ask a question from your list.

How do I handle interviewing an elderly person?

Because elderly people have a hard time hearing they often try reading the face and lips of their interviewer to get a better sense of what was just said. Speak loud enough to be heard and slowly enough to be understood.

How can I deal with my own nervousness?

Good preparation helps as does taking a genuine interest in what the person has to say. Focusing on the other person takes the attention (and the pressure!) off you. It's also helpful to remember that you're only responsible for the questions, not the answers.

What should I do if my interviewee doesn't want to answer a question?

Try asking the question again in another way later in the interview. If a World War II-era interviewee, for example, says the bare minimum about blackout restrictions, come back to the topic later, by saying, “Tell me more about the precautions you had to take at night.”

Should I take notes while I'm interviewing someone?

Yes. It's also important to make a list of names, dates and places, your interviewee mentions so you can ask her to verify their spellings at the end of the interview.