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Keys to a Good Oral History Interview: Preparation, Interview Process, and Post-Interview Steps

Learn the essential steps for conducting a successful oral history interview, including pre-interview preparation, developing an outline, knowing your equipment, conducting the interview, and post-interview activities.

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Keys to a Good Oral History Interview: Preparation, Interview Process, and Post-Interview Steps

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  1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Doing Oral History interviews Dr. Mark DePue Director of Oral History, ALPL

  2. Keys to Doing a Good Interview • Have a passion for your subject • Do a pre-interview • Do your homework • Develop an outline • Know your equipment • During the interview: • Start with introduction & use your outline • Listen Follow-up questions

  3. The Three P’s • Preparation • Preparation • Preparation Prepare the Narrator Prepare Yourself Prepare Equipment

  4. Preparing the Interviewee • Choose your interviewee • Conduct Pre-interview: • Have them fill out biographical data form • Learn about your interviewee … BUT avoid a detailed discussion • Take notes! • Does interviewee have photos, letters, etc? • Explain the interview process • Determine Time & Place for the interview

  5. Preparing Yourself • Do your background research. • Learn about your subject! • Background reading • Ask your teacher for suggested readings • Review documents from Interviewee • Photos, maps, documents, etc. • Develop the outline!

  6. Developing the Outline • Start with the Outline Template provided • Family Memories or Veterans Remember • Revise the template so it works for your interview • Use the Outline as a Guide – Not a Crutch • A good outline and knowledge of the subject allows you to listen closely and ask the right follow-up questions.

  7. Prepare the Equipment • Audio or Video? • Audio: Minimal needs for equipment. • Find the right location – avoid distractions & interruptions • Video: You will need an assistant • Are you on or off camera? • Finding the location. • Lighting • Clothing

  8. Choosing your Recorder • Phone • Convenient • Lower quality • Zoom H1 • Easy to use • Good investment for those interested in future recordings • Practice

  9. The Interview • Start with an introduction • Who you are. • Date & place of the interview. • Who you are interviewing. • Why the interview is being conducted.

  10. Interview Criteria, Cont • Who–What–When–Where–How & Why • Ask one question at a time • Don’t ask leading questions • Moderate Tempo & Pauses • Active Listening • Stay focused on the narrator, not on your next question! • Ask follow-on questions • Don’t interrupt! 5 second rule Ellyn Bartges

  11. Interview Criteria, Cont • Historical Cues • Props are helpful • Photos & maps • Cherished possession • Non-Verbal Empathy • Keep eye contact • Reflective Questions • Stay impartial • Check out the examples

  12. After the Interview • Get the interviewee’s permission to use the interview. • Deed of Gift • What will you do with the interview? • Preserving the interview • Downloading? Transcribing? • A copy to the interviewee? • Archiving?

  13. Want to learn more? Books Don Ritchie’s Doing Oral History Linda Wood’s Oral History Projects in your Classroom Oral History Association’s listing of “Principles and Best Practices” document at /www.oralhistory.org/

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