Good Interviewing Techniques

A successful interview consists not only of well prepared questions but also good interviewing techniques. A good interviewer is one who stays relaxed and is an interested listener. Remember the narrator should do most of the talking. These suggestions will give you some ideas to make your interview a successful one.

Ask brief open- ended questions.

Ask only one question at a time.

Don't be afraid of silence. Give the narrator time to gather his/her thoughts.

Don't worry if you fumble a question. It will help the narrator feel more comfortable with their own mistakes.

Never interrupt with a question. Instead write it down on a notepad for later.

Try to keep the narrator on the topic.

When asking for a description of a person start with appearance.

Sometimes asking about the negative in a situation will allow the narrator to bring up other aspects.

Try to establish where or who the narrator was in the story.

Don't switch the tape recorder on and off during the interview.

The best interviews happen when there are only two people present.

The interview should only be 1 to 1 1/2 hours long.

 

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Baum, Willa K. Oral History for the Local Historical Society,2nd ed, revised

For more information on Oral Histories please contact the Early American Museum at early@cu-online.com