Things to bring to the interview

• Your question list
• Recording device
• Microphone
• Microphone cable
• Headphones
• Extra batteries (at least one full set)
• Tapes, MiniDiscs or memory cards (enough for twice as much recording time as you think you’ll need).
• Pen (avoid using pencils while recording as they tend to be noisy).

Before you begin your interview

• Find the quietest place possible to record.
• Turn off or move away from noisy appliances like clocks, TVs, and refrigerators.
• Make sure you and your storyteller are comfortable.
• Do a test recording, holding the microphone about one hand’s distance from your storyteller’s mouth. If anything sounds strange, stop and figure out what the problem is before starting the interview.

During your interview

• Double check that the recorder is actually recording (not on pause).
• Start each tape with an ID: State your name, your age, the date, and the location of the interview. For example, "Hi, my name is Christopher. I’m forty-one years old. The date is August 3, 1492, and we’re sitting here on my ship called the Santa Maria in the port of Palos." Ask your storyteller to state the same information.
• Stay quiet when your subject is talking. Don’t say, "Uh, huh." Instead, nod your head.
• Feel free to rerecord. If your storyteller makes a mistake or if a noisy truck passes by, feel free to ask her to repeat the story.
• Ask emotional questions like "How did this make you feel?"
• Look your storyteller in the eyes and stay engaged.
• Stick with amazing moments in the interview. Follow-up questions often yield the best material.
• Be curious and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.

When you finish

• Label and write-protect your tapes or MiniDisc and store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Or back up your memory card by downloading your audio to your computer’s

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