Oral History: how to do an interview - Revision history

GHM director: /* Critical ethical and legal issues */

2024-03-09T18:34:48Z

Critical ethical and legal issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 9 March 2024
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	* '''We do not send them transcriptions, or give them a chance to change or clarify.''' They will often hate it or even try to suppress it. Everyone likes to think they talk like they write; when they hear their ramblings, they are deeply opposed to it.		* '''We do not send them transcriptions, or give them a chance to change or clarify.''' They will often hate it or even try to suppress it. Everyone likes to think they talk like they write; when they hear their ramblings, they are deeply opposed to it.

	* Release forms are not a substitute for sensitivity and good sense. Internet~~: the idea that the~~ interview ~~could be~~ instantly available to anyone at any time anywhere in the world, on the ~~internet~~		* '''Release forms are not a substitute for sensitivity and good sense.''' The Internet in particular can make an interview instantly available to anyone at any time anywhere in the world. '''''<big>Any content that could be harmful or damaging to anyone, any topics that could be painful or offensive, or any other concern should be reviewed by the director before posting in Omeka.</big>'''''

GHM director at 18:32, 9 March 2024

2024-03-09T18:32:06Z

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ==Preparing for the Interview==
 *'''Call or write well in advance.'''
 **Will start the respondent thinking about your interests, resulting in a better interview.
@@ Line 22: / Line 23: @@
 ** Good interviewers are the opposite of brash, in-your-face reporters. They are mild, polite, nonthreatening, and bubbling with contagious enthusiasm.
 ** Be genuinely interested in what they have to say.
-* '''Acquaint yourself with the recording equipment.''' Don’t do the common mistakes that end you up with no recording, which you avoid by over-preparation and testing with equipment. Make multiple test recordings jut like the real one. Note that interviewees tend to forget about recorders after the first ten minutes or so.
+* '''Acquaint yourself with your recording equipment.''' Don't end up without a recording! Avoid that by over-preparation and testing with equipment. Make multiple test recordings just like the real one. Note that interviewees tend to forget about recorders after the first ten minutes or so.
-* '''Pick a good interview location.''' Will there be interruptions, distractions, noise? In their house is good for their comfort and ease, but not in the kitchen; there can be lots of noise interruptions (like ice machines).
+* '''Pick a good interview location.''' Will there be interruptions, distractions, noise? Their house is a good location for their comfort and ease, but don't do it in the kitchen; there can be lots of noise interruptions (like ice machines).
 * '''Plan for all the mundane matters.'''
 ** That includes logistics: drive time, parking problems, and security guards.
-** It also includes your clothing — try to dress just a little better than you expect them to dress.
+** It also includes your clothing — try to dress just a little better than you think they will dress.
 ==Running the Interview==
 ==After the Interview==

GHM director at 22:15, 22 February 2024

2024-02-22T22:15:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 22 February 2024
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	** That includes logistics: drive time, parking problems, and security guards.		** That includes logistics: drive time, parking problems, and security guards.
	** It also includes your clothing — try to dress just a little better than you expect them to dress.		** It also includes your clothing — try to dress just a little better than you expect them to dress.
			* '''Get an Interview Release Form.''' Printed copies should be available at the Museum, but you can also download the form.

	==Running the Interview==		==Running the Interview==

	==After the Interview==		==After the Interview==

GHM director: Created page with "==Overview== ==Preparing for the Interview== '''Call or write well in advance.''' Will start the respondent thinking about your interests, resulting in a better interview. Always be courteous and show appreciation. Give the interviewee a clear idea of the purpose of the interview. Show a serious attitude toward the project; this encourages the interviewee to believe their memories are important and worth their time. '''Gather as much background information ab..."

2024-02-22T21:14:22Z

Created page with "==Overview== ==Preparing for the Interview== *'''Call or write well in advance.''' **Will start the respondent thinking about your interests, resulting in a better interview. **Always be courteous and show appreciation. **Give the interviewee a clear idea of the purpose of the interview. **Show a serious attitude toward the project; this encourages the interviewee to believe their memories are important and worth their time. *'''Gather as much background information ab..."

New page

==Overview==

==Preparing for the Interview==

*'''Call or write well in advance.'''
**Will start the respondent thinking about your interests, resulting in a better interview.
**Always be courteous and show appreciation.
**Give the interviewee a clear idea of the purpose of the interview.
**Show a serious attitude toward the project; this encourages the interviewee to believe their memories are important and worth their time.
*'''Gather as much background information about the respondent as you can.''' Most are flattered when it’s obvious you know their work and accomplishments.
**They don’t feel as compelled to explain basic info, leading them to talk about the complexities and nuances. And you need a basic understanding of the context so you know what questions to ask.
** Letting the interviewee know you’ve done your homework leads them to talk more openly.
** If you’ve done due diligence, they will work harder not to distort the topic (i.e., ''they are less likely to lie'').
** They are more likely to talk about sensitive topics if you are already aware of the situation. They don't want to bring up the bad thing.
** Do they have diaries, memoirs, or even a rudimentary autobiography? Ask!
* '''Outline the main points of interest.''' These should be notes, not formal questions.
** Too much and too little organization are undesirable. Too much and you stifle the conversation, keeping it from going to interesting places you didn't know about. Too little, and the conversation will be limited and disjointed.
** Have a list of topics prepared but don’t be inflexible.
** Don’t make questions too easy or too hard, and best if they can't be answered with "yes" or "no." For example, "why?"
** Easy, non-controversial questions should come first; hold the tougher topics until you gain their confidence.
** Oral histories are dangerous. They are more aware of the traps and snares than you are.
** Good interviewers are the opposite of brash, in-your-face reporters. They are mild, polite, nonthreatening, and bubbling with contagious enthusiasm.
** Be genuinely interested in what they have to say.
* '''Acquaint yourself with the recording equipment.''' Don’t do the common mistakes that end you up with no recording, which you avoid by over-preparation and testing with equipment. Make multiple test recordings jut like the real one. Note that interviewees tend to forget about recorders after the first ten minutes or so.
* '''Pick a good interview location.''' Will there be interruptions, distractions, noise? In their house is good for their comfort and ease, but not in the kitchen; there can be lots of noise interruptions (like ice machines).
* '''Plan for all the mundane matters.'''
** That includes logistics: drive time, parking problems, and security guards.
** It also includes your clothing — try to dress just a little better than you expect them to dress.

==Running the Interview==

==After the Interview==