Oral History Guide: The Interview Process

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress - Interviewing Tips

Veteran's History Project (Library of Congress) - Conduct the Interview

StoryCorps - Best Practices for Conducting an Interview (video)

The Southern Oral History Program - 10 Tips for Interviewers

UCLA Center for Oral History Research - Interviewing Guidelines

Setting Up

• Go over the process again with your interviewee and answer any questions they may have. Make sure they are comfortable.
• Make sure to have your release form signed, if this has not been done already.
• Test your recording equipment before you start to ensure that it is working and the audio can be heard clearly.

During the Interview

• Begin with an introduction including your name, the date, the interviewee's name, the location, and what will be discussed.
• Confirm with the interviewee when you start and stop the recording equipment. Never record secretly or without their knowledge.
• Don't turn off the recording at any time, unless the interviewee specifically asks you to.
• Ask one question at a time, and keep them short and simple (no multi-part questions that may be confusing).
• Ask follow-up and clarifying questions when appropriate.
• Be patient when interviewees answer questions. They will need time to think and respond.
• Treat the interview like a normal conversation: make eye contact, don't interrupt, and be courteous of the interviewee's time by not keeping them longer than they can stay.
• Unlike a normal conversation, you should avoid inserting your own opinion or talking too much. Use nonverbal cues to indicate that you are listening.
• Above all, be yourself and allow the interviewee the opportunity to be themselves, too. The interview should flow naturally.

Wrapping Up

• Thank the interviewee for their time, and make sure you have their contact information if you need to follow up.
• If you haven't already, explain what the next steps in the process are (transcription, presentation, etc.). Let them know if and where it will be publicly accessible.
• Ensure that the recording has saved correctly, and save it to multiple settings (like Google Drive) to avoid losing it.
• Write field notes for yourself, such as:
  • Reflections, comments, or opinions on the interview
  • Key themes and points
  • The overall dynamic of the interview (Was it comfortable? Tense?)
  • Any memorable or unexpected moments
  • Any questions you still have and will want to follow up on