Handout 1: How to Conduct an Oral Interview

Reprinted from the OAH Magazine of History
16 (Winter 2002). ISSN 0882-228X
Copyright (c) 2002, Organization of American Historians
 

Before the Interview:

1. Pick a good candidate and make an appointment.

2. Decide what information you want to obtain.

3. Contact the person early to give them preparation time. Give the interviewee a general idea of what you would like to ask.

4. Get a written release from the person to be interviewed. A sample of this type of form is available here.

5. Think of all the questions you can ask and then organize them into major categories. Research your topic and person as much as possible--the more the better--and then make an outline of the information you want.

6. Practice asking questions with another student to keep the person on the topic.

7. Obtain a tape recorder and the tape that you will use, and practice working it.

Conducting the Interview:

1. Spend the first few minutes in general conversation to "warm up" the person being interviewed and to check the operation of your tape recorder. Have paper and a pen or pencil for taking notes.

2. Be an active listener. Find out: Why? How? When? Where?

3. Don't interrupt a good story with questions. Instead, write notes so you can ask questions later.

4. Don't worry about silences; allow the person time to think.

5. Interview only one person at a time. Don't be timid, but be polite as you ask questions.

6. Be courteous. Don't overstay your welcome. Keep to a reasonable length of time. An older person may get tired. A businessperson may have other appointments. If needed and it is agreeable, return for a second session instead of staying too long.

7. Remember to change the tape at the proper time. Ask the person to wait a moment while you do so.

After the Interview:

1. Label every tape immediately and transcribe key ideas.

2. Determine the best ways to use the information on the tape.

3. Write a thank-you letter to the person interviewed.