2.) Getting started on your oral history project

Summary

In this educational podcast, hosts Becca, Joe, Jenni, and Monica guide listeners through the essential steps of preparing for an oral history project. They emphasize understanding the oral history process, defining the project's purpose, selecting interviewees, conducting preliminary research, and mastering recording equipment. The hosts discuss the importance of knowing one's role as an interviewer and the significance of high-quality recordings for future research. They also touch on the advantages of interviewing both known individuals and strangers, and the practical aspects of using equipment like lavaliers for better audio capture.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Learn about the oral history process to understand its significance beyond a simple interview.
• 🎯 Determine the purpose of the oral history project to guide the focus and choice of interviewees.
• 👤 Establish who you will interview, considering the advantages of interviewing known individuals versus strangers.
• 📚 Do general study on the topic or time period to prepare questions and understand the context better.
• 🎥 Find and learn to use the right recording equipment to ensure high-quality audio or video recordings.
• 🤝 Consider the comfort level and potential biases when interviewing family members or friends.
• 🗣️ Communicate clearly with potential interviewees about the project's purpose and time commitment.
• 🏫 For class projects, work with teachers to understand potentially sensitive content and prepare accordingly.
• 📘 Independently research the topic to gain general knowledge, which aids in focusing the interview.
• 🔍 Practice using the recording equipment beforehand to avoid technical issues during the interview.
• 👂 Always test the recorder and sound levels before starting the interview to capture clear audio.

Q & A

What are the five important things to prepare for an oral history project?

The five important things to prepare for an oral history project are: learning about the oral history process, determining the purpose of the project, establishing who you will interview, doing general study on the topic or time period of the project, and finding and learning how to use the right recording equipment.

Why is it important to understand the oral history process before starting a project?

Understanding the oral history process is important to know what makes oral history more than just an interview, to define your role as an interviewer, and to prepare for the steps needed to prepare for, conduct, and process information after the interview.

How does one determine the purpose of their oral history project?

To determine the purpose of an oral history project, one should consider whether they are creating genealogical records, interviewing someone with first-hand accounts of a historical event, or learning about local history with few written records. Additionally, one should think about the final use of the oral history, such as creating a documentary or donating it to a historical society.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of interviewing someone you know versus someone you've never met before?

Interviewing someone you know can make the conversation easier and more comfortable from the start, but they may assume you already know certain things and not provide as much detail. Interviewing someone you've never met can provide new perspectives and detailed stories, but it might be more challenging to establish rapport and keep the dialogue flowing.

How should one approach a potential interviewee and what should they disclose?

When approaching a potential interviewee, one should be upfront about the time commitment and their intentions for the recorded material. It's important to ask if they are willing to participate and to clarify what will be done with the video or audio footage.

What is the significance of studying the topic or time period of the oral history project?

Studying the topic or time period is significant as it helps to narrow the focus for the interview, prepare relevant questions, and understand the context in which the interviewee's experiences occurred, which can lead to a more meaningful and informed conversation.

Why is it crucial to learn how to use recording equipment before conducting an interview?

Learning how to use recording equipment before an interview is crucial to ensure the quality of the final audio or video, to avoid wasting time during the interview, and to prevent technical issues that could compromise the recording quality or content.

What are some tips for choosing and using recording equipment for an oral history project?

Tips for choosing and using recording equipment include using the best quality equipment available, such as lavaliers or stand-alone microphones, directing the microphone at the narrator to eliminate background noise, borrowing equipment if necessary, and practicing with the equipment before the interview to ensure familiarity and proper setup.

How can one ensure the quality of their recording during an oral history interview?

To ensure the quality of the recording, one should use high-quality equipment, test the recorder and sound levels before starting, and ensure the microphone is directed at the narrator. Additionally, one should be aware of any distracting noises in the room and consider the environment for optimal recording conditions.

What will be discussed in the next podcast according to the script?

The next podcast will discuss preparing for the interview and doing individual research.