Oral History Interview & Importance Part 17

Application of Body Language (1)

In our previous note we said that the oral history interviewer shall be well versed on communication techniques and apply them for quality management of the interview. One of these techniques is body language. Below, we present a number of impacts that body language might have and observing them is vital in an interview.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 16

Body Language

Body language or non-verbal communication comprises a major part of our daily communication. This techniques is in times clearer and more effective than verbal communication and it is perceived to be a complementary component. This communication technique might be a reflection of any individuals emotional or physical status. Hence, it is important to know and apply it properly to promote our verbal and non-verbal communication skills in an interview.

The training of oral history in Isfahan

From pre-interview to tactics of the first questions

As oral history website reported, the fourth workshop of the "first training course of oral history" was held by the effort of Assarkhaneh Museum, the center of studies for Isfahan folk culture, and with the speech of doctor Abolhassani Taraqi in Sheikh Bahaee technical library of art and Isfahanology on 31 Tir 1396 (2017-07-22)

A report from the 3rd Comprehensive Workshop on Oral History Training

Oral history is an experiential affair

According to the website of Iranian Oral History, the 3rd workshop out of “the 3rd Comprehensive Workshop on Oral History Training” was held on Wednesday in Sheikh Bahaees Expert Library of Art and Isfahnology with the attempt of Assar Khaneh Museum – The Centre for Studies of Isfahan Common Culture. Dr. Mehdi Abolhassni Taraqi delivered a speech in this workshop.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 15

How to ask questions?

How to ask questions has always been an issue of concern for interviewers. Despite having tens of good questions in hand, some interviewers fail to ask them or to receive a proper response to their questions. Asking the question the wrong way or in no proper time might seriously affect the interview process. The following points have to be taken into consideration while asking questions: ...

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 14

Sample Query

Features and characteristics of a good query were discussed in the previous note. In this note, to offer further clarification and detailed discussion, samples of various types of queries and questions are provided. In this note, good queries are compared versus bad ones for the audience to be able to have a comparative study. There are occasions where multiple questions are to be asked to reach the intended response or answer.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 13

Proper Query

In fact, interview is an opportunity to collect data and learn about the past and address the need of today and tomorrow and the interviewer is the mediator connecting the narrator to the audience. Interview is conducted based on communication techniques; however, communication is not the ultimate goal but accessing the data and information of the narrator. In such a process, the more precise and targeted the query, the more comprehensive the answers would be.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 12

How to Start an Interview

A good and coordinated start is a must for an interview. It is not far from logic to say that this step is the cornerstone and any negligence and default will result in a weak and inconsistent content which is of no use. Undoubtedly, having a written checklist of things to be done is an effective and reassuring step which will help to avoid oblivion or negligence. Also, practicing the opening phase of an interview reinforces dominance and self-confidence of the interviewer and prepares him/her for the task ahead.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 11

Pre-interview Justifications

It was stated in the previous notes that both parties to the interview should have sufficient knowledge about one another and a proper understanding of the interview subject. The interview shall not start unless there is sufficient knowledge and recognition. It is for this very reason that the project goals and subject and question limits shall be defined and proper agreement reached with the narrator prior to the interview. In fact, it is the duty of the interviewer to resolve any probable concern of the narrator which might affect the interview and its quality.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 10

Interview Room

Interview, as a vital cultural activity with its science, art and historical aspects requires a proper location. News reports and media interviews might be conducted in various locations; one of the key aspects of such interviews is that they have to be conducted in the location where an incident has occurred or an event is going on or within its closest proximity. Hence, the environmental context in such interviews differs from oral history interview context.