Oral History Research

Oral History research

What is oral history?

Oral history is a method of gathering, preserving and interpreting the memories of people/communities through their own voices by recording them. *1

How to do an oral history interview *2:

Before the interview: 

• Chat with the interviewees before the interview, brief them on the subjects you want to cover and give them contact information.
• Work out a good time/day for the interview to happen on
• Get a general knowledge on the topics the interviewee will be talking about. (be careful not to miss questions because you already know the answer)
• Explain the project to the interviewee.

The interview:

• Make sure you turn up early or on time.
• Make sure you have all your kit including any extras needed such as batteries and something to import onto incase of a lack of space on the SD card.
• Chat before the interview to put the interviewee at ease, try to avoid getting told anecdotes that are better for the recording.

Starting the interview:

• Check the environment for any sounds that could interfere with the recording.
• Make sure the recording device is out of the way of the interviewee.
• Always test audio levels.
• Record details of who you are talking to and when.

Asking Questions:

• Have a list of questions with your interviewer.
• Try not to stick to a list of questions rigidly.
• Avoid closed questions.
• Use plain words and avoid suggesting the answers.
• Maintain eye contact, this encourages the interviewee to keep talking.
• Don't be afraid to ask but do not butt in or interrupt an answer.
• Respect different opinions.

After the interview

• Chat after the interview, take this time to confirm any future appointments if needed.
• Label folders on computers that have audio on. Make copies.

Overall I found this research really useful for my commission. 

It allowed me to have a step by step to do list on how I can go about conducting my interviews professionally. It also gave me a bit more confidence while doing the interviews as I was confident in what I was doing while recording.

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*1- "Oral history defined" www.oralhistory.org/about/do-oral-history/

*2- How to do an oral history interview www.le.ac.uk/emoha/training/no2.pdf