Oral History Interview Techniques

This tutorial provides guidance on collecting oral histories, focusing on effective questioning techniques, equipment preparation, and best practices for conducting interviews. It also covers necessary materials and forms, as well as post-interview procedures to ensure a successful and organized process.

What is the recommended approach when asking questions during an oral history interview?

• Repeat the interviewee's answers

• Ask multiple questions at once

• Ask one question at a time

• Combine languages in a single question

Why is it important to be familiar with your recording equipment before an interview?

• To impress the interviewee

• To avoid wasting interview time

• To ensure the equipment looks new

• To make the interviewee comfortable

What should you do to minimize noise during an interview?

• Leave doors open

• Sit in a squeaky chair

• Play background music

• Notice and reduce extraneous noise

How can you build trust and rapport with the interviewee?

• Focus on controversial topics first

• Interrupt frequently

• Be friendly and open

• Avoid eye contact

What is the purpose of the pre-interview form?

• To replace the consent form

• To summarize the interview

• To gather initial information and documents

• To record the interview

What should be included in the interview packet?

• Only the recording device

• Just the summary form

• A pre-interview form, image identification form, and consent form

• Only the consent form

What is the maximum recommended duration for a productive interview?

• 1 hour

• 4 hours

• 2 hours

• 3 hours

What should you do immediately after the interview ends?

• Start a new interview

• Erase the recordings

• Have the interviewee sign the release form

• Leave abruptly

How should you label the recording discs after an interview?

• With the interviewee's name and date

• With random numbers

• With the location of the interview

• With the interviewer's name

What should be done with the summary and signed release forms after the interview?

• Discard them

• Store them in a manila envelope

• Send them to the interviewee

• Leave them on the table