Oral History Interview Tips
“A good interview is like good jazz music – you will have a beginning,
middle, and end, but you will also have improvisation.” – Studs Terkel
It is helpful for the Interviewee if you organize your questions so that there is some
structure to the interview that creates a “beginning, middle, and end.” You can organize
questions in chronological order or by topic. With this in mind, try to also be flexible and
allow the Interviewee to share memories and experiences in his/her own way.
There are two basic types of questions: open-ended and closed. Open-ended questions
encourage an Interviewee to give a longer answer. For example, “Could you tell me about
your hometown,” is an open-ended question. Closed questions require a short answer,
such as yes/no. For example, “What is the name of your hometown?” Try to ask mostly
open-ended questions so that your interview sparks storytelling.
Many of your questions will ask why: Why did the crowd do that?
Some questions will ask how: How did that event affect you?
Suggestive questions: You said you attended college. Would you tell me more about it?
Some questions will help to describe or define: Could you describe what happened?
Many of your questions will need to be follow-up questions that help the Interviewee
give more information, and detail to the story: “You mentioned that even though you
were poor during the Great Depression, your life was rich. Could you describe why?”
The Key To a Good Interview
The key to a good interview is being a good listener. A good listener
is someone who practices “active listening” skills. These skills
include:
1. Being alert and attentive;
2. Keeping good eye contact and responding quietly by nodding your head or smiling;
3. Paying attention to facial expressions and body language;
4. Being sensitive and respectful to what the interviewee wants to talk about and how they choose to share
it;
5. Giving plenty of time for the interview (at least 1½ – 2 hours);
6. Asking good follow-up questions that help the Interviewee describe events in more detail;
7. Refraining from interrupting.
Equipment: There are many types of audio recording equipment to choose from, and
many that are inexpensive. The most important step to take is to read the instructions and
practice with your recorder so that you have tested it and know how to use it during the
interview, and then how to upload the audio recording file and make a CD afterward.
Beginning your interview:
1. State your name as the interviewer, then the name of the
person you are interviewing.
2. State the date and place of the interview.
3. State the purpose of the interview. (i.e., This interview is part of the XYZ history project at XYZ
school. Or, This interview is for our family records.)
Notes: It is fine for you to write very short notes for follow-up questions.
However, it is much more important to maintain good eye contact and give your full attention, so otherwise, do not take notes during your interview.
Sample Questions
Prepare your questions based on your knowledge of the Interviewee and based on your
own research that will help you understand the time-period you will cover during the
interview. Begin with a few easy questions to “break the ice.” For example: Could you
start by telling us a little bit about your background? Where do you live now?
Childhood / Family
When and where were you born? Where are your parents from? What do you remember
about your grandparents? Would you tell us about your family?
Could you describe your hometown? Could you tell me about your friends?
Who were the people most important to you during your childhood? Could you share a
story about that person? What were the best and worst parts about your childhood?
What was your life like when you were my age? Take me through a typical day from
beginning to end. Would you describe a meal around your kitchen table? How did you
entertain yourselves during your childhood? What did you do for fun? Tell me about your
own family today.
Events / Historic Periods (i.e. WWII, Civil Rights Movement, music or cultural event):
Can you describe that event from the time it started until it ended?
Who was there? Where did “the event” happen? When did it happen?
What caused this to happen? What role did you play? What was the result?
How did you feel about what happened at the time? How do you feel about it now?
What were some important lessons that you learned during this time?
Was there a funny moment? What happened? What was the most difficult time? Why?
Who did you rely on most? What helped you get through difficult times?
Can you describe one of these times? What were your priorities during this period?
What do you miss the most about that time? Who were your heroes?
What are some myths about this event/period of time?
School/Education:
What schools did you attend? To you, what were the most important
things learned at ________ school? What was the greatest challenge there?
Work:
What was your first job like? What were your wages? Can you describe other jobs
you have held? What job did you like the best and which job did you like the least?
What are the skills you needed for your job/career?
Hobbies / Interests:
What hobbies or interests have you had? What do you still do? What
are the techniques/methods for this hobby?
Military Service:
What wars/conflicts did you serve in? What were your dates of service?
Could you review your branch of service, battalion, regiment, and division?
Where were the locations of your service and battles? What is the highest rank you held?
Did you sustain service-related injuries?
Closing Question:
Are there any stories you would like to tell that I have not asked?
