Effective Interview Techniques and Practices

The video tutorial by Kendra from the York Region District Schoolboard Museum and Archives provides a comprehensive guide on conducting oral history interviews. It covers preparation, setting up the interview space, conducting the interview professionally, asking effective questions, and concluding the interview. Emphasis is placed on respecting the interviewee, listening carefully, and being flexible with the interview process. The tutorial also highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and ensuring the interviewee's comfort throughout the process.

What is the primary purpose of conducting an oral history interview?

• To create a fictional story

• To gather historical information from the interviewee

• To entertain the audience

• To practice public speaking

Which of the following is NOT a recommended preparation step before an interview?

• Arriving late

• Dressing appropriately

• Bringing extra storage

• Preparing questions

Why is it important to start the interview with simple biographical questions?

• To test the interviewee's memory

• To fill time

• To make the interviewee comfortable and start the conversation

• To confuse the interviewee

What should you do if the interviewee mentions an unexpected topic?

• Ignore it and stick to the script

• Change the subject quickly

• Ask follow-up questions to explore the topic

• End the interview immediately

How should you handle pauses during the interview?

• Fill them with new questions immediately

• Talk about yourself

• Allow the interviewee time to reflect

• End the interview

What is a key aspect of being a good interviewer?

• Judging the interviewee's opinions

• Interrupting the interviewee

• Listening carefully and observing

• Talking about yourself frequently

What should you do if the interviewee seems tired?

• Ask more complex questions

• Continue the interview regardless

• Politely bring the interview to an end

• Ignore their body language

Why is it important to offer a digital copy of the interview to the interviewee?

• To allow them to edit the content

• To show appreciation and transparency

• To make them feel obligated to do more interviews

• To ensure they remember the interview

What should you do with the recording equipment after the interview?

• Leave it at the interview location

• Turn it off and store it safely

• Give it to the interviewee

• Discard it

What is the benefit of conducting an oral history interview correctly?

• It provides entertainment

• It helps learn about the past through personal experiences

• It creates fictional stories

• It is a form of therapy