Checklist for Students Collecting Oral Histories
Before you go
- Call and introduce yourself, explain why you’d like to meet with him/her, and set up your appointment
- Get your subject a copy of your questions and an explanation of the project (Some people like to know what they’ll be asked ahead of time)
- Make sure you have everything you need: questions, paper, writing utensil, tape recorder (with working batteries), tape and camera
- Okay your questions with the teacher
- Read through questions to make sure all are clear and you can understand and pronounce everything
During the interview
- Thank the subject for agreeing to do the interview
- Explain the release form and ask him/her to sign it
- Make sure you get the subject’s name (spelled correctly—make sure you can read it on the release form), address, and phone number in case you need to contact him/her again
- Test the recorder by recording your introduction. Include: First & last name of person being interviewed, first & last name of person doing the interview (YOU!), topic of interview, date and location of interview
- Rewind and listen to the introduction. Make sure the recorder is picking up both the questions and the answers. If okay, begin. . .
- Ask your questions
- Don’t rush. Speak loudly and clearly. Give your interview subject time to think. (Some are remembering back three, four, or even six decades.)
- Listen closely so you can ask follow-up questions, if necessary
- After interview, be sure to ask if there is anything you didn’t ask that he or she would like to add
- Thank him/her again for talking with you!
(This gives you and the school permission to use and share what they tell you in the interview)
After the Interview
- Type the transcript
- Send a thank you! Enclose your transcript with any questions you have highlighted (dates, locations, unclear parts of the tape)
- In your thank you include why you appreciate their time, what you learned, the most interesting part of the interview
- If you choose to handwrite your thank you, check all spelling and write very neatly
Next: writing the story and putting together a presentation
Posted by Christa Umphrey on 02/09 at 01:12 PM
Next entry: Organization Tip for Oral History Work
Previous entry: Writing and reading as placemaking
