In Part 1 of this blog post, we discussed the first four tips for creating the best oral history audio or video. Here, we will discuss the final four.

5. Choose an area for the oral history interview that is comfortable, familiar, and relatively quiet. Even noise from a busy street nearby can be picked up by your recording devices and make it difficult to hear your subject. Definitely avoid restaurants and/or any place with high foot traffic.

6. Try not to interrupt your subject with unnecessary questions or make excessive affirming comments such as “Okay,” “Yes,” or “Mm-hm.” However, do ask the subject for clarification if something is unclear or needs more explanation.

7. Use items such as documents, photos, and keepsakes to stimulate your subject’s memories.

8. Hire a oral history transcription service to transcribe your project. Having a time-coded transcript will help you edit the video or audio without having to relisten to the entire recording. Your subject’s family may also want a copy.