Tips for Conducting Oral Histories & Interviews

1. Build knowledge. Before you reach out to someone for an oral interview, visit your school and local libraries to learn the big picture of your topic. Research your topic to get a sense of what historians have said in the past and what voices might be missing from your research.

2. Send your invitation. Once you decide that an oral history will help you bring LGBTQ+ perspectives to your project, send a formal invitation by email or regular postal mail. 

a. Remember, your interviewee is busy too, and they may not be able to meet with you immediately. Be flexible and respectful. Change your research schedule to their schedule. (See the “Sample Email: Contacting Interview Subjects” for help.) 

3. Prepare questions. Write out your list of questions before the interview and share them with the interviewee. Keep the length of your interview in mind. Put your most important questions first in case you run out of time. 

a. Make sure your language is inclusive and respectful to LGBTQ+ individuals. There are resources available online, from nonprofits, and in research materials that can help you use the right language. Be sure not to not ask participants anything offensive, disrespectful, or invasive.

b. Remember, the narrator is not just an individual, but also a member of the LGBTQ+ or other cultural communities. Be mindful of the complex relationship many communities have historically had with researchers; always respect the rights of the interviewee to refuse to discuss certain subjects.

4. Record the conversation. If you plan to use quotes from your interview for your project, plan to record the interview. Remember to ask the subject for their permission to record. Avoid asking your interview subjects to repeat themselves or to talk more slowly. Never try to write down long quotations by hand. 

5. Thank the subject. Once the oral interview has ended, remember to verbally thank the subject for meeting with you. You should also send a handwritten thank-you note within 24 hours. 

Talking to interviewees and experts can feel intimidating. Remember, if they accept your oral history invitation, it’s because they are interested in your topic and want to help you learn more. Take the time to prepare for your interview and follow up with thanks. Remember that you represent your school and Ohio History Day. Do your very best!