The Buts and Ifs of a Good Interview

Mahya Hafezi
Translated by Mandana Karimi

2025-8-13

In order to better understand the problems of producing a book on the subject of oral history or memoirs, the Iranian Oral History Website has conducted short conversations with some experts and practitioners, the results of which will be presented to readers in the form of short notes and in several parts.

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In previous notes, the characteristics of the interviewer and the interviewee were discussed in detail, but in order to have a good interview, in addition to the aforementioned issues, other issues must also be considered, some of which are addressed in this note.

Interview Environment

In an oral history project, the interview environment is of great importance. The environment must be prepared for the interview in every respect. Being away from surrounding noise, not having distractions such as telephones or people visiting, appropriate temperature and ventilation, and other such things must be considered for the interview environment.

Sometimes choosing an inappropriate location, especially for interviews that are supposed to last for hours, can cause fatigue, distraction, or even the interviewee's unwillingness to continue talking. It is better to choose the interview location in advance with coordination and care, and if necessary, to test the recording equipment in that space in advance.

Interview topic

Both the interviewer and the interviewee should have a clear understanding of the purpose of the interview. They should know exactly what question is going to be answered, or what ambiguity the interviewee is going to resolve. The motivation for the interview should be clear to both parties.

Being clear about the topic makes the questions more targeted and the answers more accurate. Sometimes, a lack of agreement on the topic or a lack of sufficient knowledge of the issue can lead the conversation astray or waste of time.

Mental and physical preparation of both parties

An interview will be useful when both parties are properly prepared. The interviewer must prepare his mind to ask precise and important questions by studying and understanding the subject. In turn, the interviewee must be in a good mental and physical condition so that he can answer the questions patiently, carefully and accurately.

Flexibility in the conversation process

In many cases, interviews do not go according to plan. The interviewee may mention topics that were not included in the original plan but are worth recording and following up. A good interviewer must have the flexibility to open new paths while adhering to the framework of the subject. Sometimes these unforeseen paths determine the most important findings of the interview.

Adherence to professional ethics

At all stages of the interview, it is essential to observe respect, confidentiality and professional honesty. Personal or family information of the interviewee should not be used without his permission. Also, the interviewer should not abuse his position to impose an opinion or create bias in the answers. Mutual trust is the cornerstone of a successful oral history interview.

Mastering the tools and technology

A significant part of the quality of an interview depends on the recording tools and technology used. The interviewer must know how to work with audio and video equipment, audio editing software, and even secure data storage. A malfunction or failure in the recording can permanently destroy parts of the interview. Therefore, it is essential to test the tools and anticipate alternative solutions in case of problems before starting the interview.

Accurate recording and documentation

One of the challenges after conducting an interview is organizing, labeling, and properly documenting the files and information. Each interview should be archived with precise specifications, date, location, topic, and list of questions and topics of the interview. This documentation is very helpful not only in compiling the book but also in the stages of reading, referencing, and subsequent research.

Time Management and Scheduling Sessions

In many cases, the topic of the interview is too broad to be covered in one session. Dividing the interview into several shorter sessions, spaced out over time, can help maintain focus, prevent fatigue, and delve deeper into the topics. The interviewer must be able to manage time and prioritize topics so that no part of the subject is overlooked.

Preparing to Deal with Emotions

In oral history, many memories are tied to pain, grief, loss, or emotional issues. The interviewer must know how to respond appropriately to crying, silence, or even possible anger and aggression. Sometimes just a few moments of silence or a sympathetic statement can maintain an atmosphere of trust and keep the interview going.

Understanding the Background and Historical Context of the Narrative

A proper understanding of the time in which the interviewee lived helps the interviewer to both ask better questions and analyze the narratives more accurately. Knowing the political, social, cultural, and geographical situations of that era makes the interviewer not only a listener, but also an understanding partner of the narrative.

Post-interview corrections

The end of the interview is not the end of the work. Sometimes, when rereading the files, parts of the audio are ambiguous or incomplete, or points need to be clarified. In such cases, communication with the interviewee for follow-up or permission to edit is inevitable. Being transparent at this stage and observing the principles of confidentiality are an important part of the professional interview process.

Final words

To conduct a good interview, it is not enough to just have an audio recording and a few prepared questions. Interviewing in oral history is a multi-layered and sensitive task that requires preparation, skill, knowledge, and ethics. Following the points mentioned in this note can help to record the work more accurately, richer, and more lastingly.