Oral History: how to do an interview

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