Oral History: how to do an interview

Preparing for the Interview

• Get an Interview Release Form. Printed copies should be available at the Museum, but you can also download the form.
• 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 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? 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 think they will dress.

Running the Interview

People usually enjoy talking about themselves to someone who seems genuinely interested. When people talk to you long enough about themselves, they will inevitably tell you things about themselves that reveals aspects of their character. Your job is to get them talking freely.

• Use silence as a tool to get them talking. Most people have strong natural aversion to long pauses; they will fill in the silence. This is a good technique for shy or reluctant interviewees.
• But don't let it backfire — if they are being quiet, don't fill in the silence for them! “Silence is the weapon, silence and people’s need to fill it—as long as the person isn’t you, the interviewer.” – Robert Caro
• What to do if they have wandered too far from the question:
  • Usually let them go, unless they go way-way-way-way off track.
  • Don’t interrupt any stories regardless how off the track; sometimes they know what they are doing and are leading you somewhere.
  • Err on the side of politeness.
• What do do if they have inaccurate memories:
  • Don’t take issue with them or argue a point. Let them tell their memory, their way.
  • Maybe offer an alternative version; “some people say…” or “I’ve heard….” Often they will have insight on why there is a discrepancy

• Stay in the background. This is not a conversation; you’re here to learn. Except for asking questions, keep your voice off the recording.

• Exaggerate your facial expressions in response to what they are are saying. It will feel a bit uncomfortable to you, but it will energize them and communicate that you are listening and really care about what they are saying.

• Note taking is helpful; it helps them think you’re serious, it keeps you from feeling uncomfortable, it gives you a place to jot down questions you think of while they are talking.

How long? Everyone starts getting antsy after about an hour. If it looks like it's going to go longer than than, ask if you can schedule another meeting… and then another after that, if needed. After about an hour and a half, really try to stop the interview and arrange another meeting.

Post-interview conversation

When you wrap up the interview, don't just leave; there should be a brief conversation.

• Mention something you found useful right up front. Many people don't think they have anything important to say, and even feel guilty for wasting your time. Tell them something specific you appreciate.
• Ask how to spell names and places; ask about locations, even to "show me on a map."
• Schedule another interview if appropriate.
• Act like a real person again, engaging in personal conversation, even talk about yourself if appropriate.

After the Interview

• Send a thank-you note after the interview. They question their value, so make a point of identifying their value — saying something like "you really helped me understand what was happening there" is very rewarding to them.
• Transcribe the interview. Ideally, you will post the recording with the interview transcription in Omeka. Do this immediately; transcriptions rarely happen if they don't occur immediately.

Critical ethical and legal issues

• Get an Interview Release Form and sign before the interview. Without a release form, you and the interviewee own the recording together. The signed release is a “deed of gift” to turn over the rights of the recording to the Museum, so neither you nor they can use it badly.
• 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