There is no one right way to do Oral History. Besides the fact that it is a fairly new field, it encompasses human beings talking about their life experiences which is probably the most varied subject there is! The points below are ones generally agreed upon but there will always be exceptions. So use your own knowledge, intuition and creativity in approaching your project.
- The narrator should be fully informed as to the nature of the interview, what its purpose is and why you feel that her/his life and experiences are important. Take time to answer any questions they have as it will result in greater comfort and openness in the long run. Have them sign the release form ahead of time. If you conduct more than one interview session, get a release at each session.
- Record your “oral tape label” before arriving for the interview.
- If at all possible, interview only one person at a time. In some cases it may be advantageous to include two people but more than that results in a confusing recording. It easily becomes difficult for the listener to tell which person is speaking. If you interviewing two people at once, you will have to spend time arranging the microphone at a distance from each so the recorder picks up fairly equal sound levels. You should do a test recording using headphones.
- Choose as quiet a spot as possible. Be aware of extraneous noise that will be picked up by the microphone--chiming clocks, phone, traffic outside a window, humming of appliances, clatter of dishes, et cetera. Try to minimize these noises as much as possible without totally rearranging the environment in which the interview is taking place.
- Eye contact and open, attentive listening are the core of the oral history interview. You may be very conscious of the tape recorder but the interviewer should feel they are talking to you. You are a participant in the interview. Acknowledge your listening by means of silent encouragement--nods, smiles, et cetera--short phrases of understanding and pertinent questions. Your questions should also be recorded, but try hard restrain the natural impulse to make vocal responses such as “uh-huh” “yes” “oh” “mm-hmm” etc.
- Be aware of the narrator's race and economic background and of culturally determined characteristics. Avoid assumptions.
- Formulate questions broadly, “Why,” “How did you…” What kind of…” “Tell me about…” “What was that like?” “What did you mean by…” Try to get as specific and personal as possible. You want to know about the narrator’s experiences, not so much their factual knowledge.
- Ask narrator to spell names of any people, places, organizations, etc. mentioned. Even if the name sounds simple and common, you never know if the spelling may be unusual or the speaker is mispronouncing it.
- Do not interrupt the narrator. Allow pauses and silence to be. Sometimes the most important information comes after the speaker has a moment to think. Silence can often be the most powerful incentive to speak.
- Do not offer your own opinions. You never know when you might be closing a door forever. Be sensitive and flexible while staying with your purpose and gently keeping the conversation on course. Each interview will be different. The interview is a dialogue but it shouldn’t be a social occasion.
- Try to avoid information being made "off the record," or switching the recorder off and on. Assure the narrator that sensitive information may be identified after they have shared it and designated as restricted after the interview is over.
- Ninety minutes is a good average length for an interview. Both interviewing and being interviewed are tiring, and concentration diminishes if the interview is too lengthy. If it seems there is much more ground to cover, you’re better off arranging another meeting to continue.
- If possible, get permission for a follow-up contact, either on the phone or in person to clarify points, fill in some glaring blanks, correct spellings, etc. Often the first interview opens up areas previously hidden and research after the interview brings up additional important questions.
- Try to gather information for a broader record than just your immediate project. The interview may be of interest to future researchers for purposes which are impossible to know. Depending on the subject, you might even consider depositing your tapes in an appropriate library or archives. This serves two purposes: one, it makes the interviews available to a wide audience, and others can verify your uses of oral sources.
· Before you turn off the recorder, be sure to ask, “Is there anything else you think I should know or would like to tell me or talk about?” You never know what people haven’t said just because you didn’t know to ask!
After the interview
- Punch out record protect tabs to guard against accidental erasure.
- Label the recorded media as soon as the interview is over with as much information as can fit onto the label. You never know when recordings may become separated from the associated documentation. Include the names of the narrator and interviewer, date and place of interview, project title (or institution). If you used more than one tape, make sure to number them in sequence.
- If at all possible, duplicate your original recording promptly. The originals can then be stored, reducing danger of accidental erasure or damage.
Express Scribe Transcription Playback Program
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