Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 23

Arguments with the Narrator

One thing that the interviewer shall seriously avoid is long discussions and argument with the narrator. In some cases the narrator insists on the credibility of their information and perceptions and the interviewer has a different idea based on their sources of information. In such cases, both sides might insist on their position and interrupt the interview.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 22

Duration

Sometimes the senility or mal-health or weakness of the narrator limits the time of the interview during which breaks shall be considered for the narrator to rest. I remember in my interview with an old political feature we had to cut the recording every twenty minutes to give him time to rest. In another interview, the narrator fell asleep. I mean, he closed his eyes and stopped talking. The interview team perceived that he is thinking and we waited but moment later we realized that he has fallen sleep. Also, an old veteran was anxiously telling us his story that suddenly he suffered loss of energy and we had no choice but to constantly cut the interview. Hence, due consideration of the narrators physical and emotional status is crucial.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 21

New Questions

Obviously, the questions shall not remain limited to the list and during the interview the interviewer shall come across new questions and issues for which he has to raise questions to achieve further elaboration and clarity. These questions are based on the narrators story and rise through careful detection of his speech. Also, by asking new questions and expressing points which further elaborate what the narrator has said the research will demonstrate interest into the story which will encourage the narrator to share more.

Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 20

Listening Carefully (2)

It is recommended to nod during an interview or express verification such as “yes” or “that is right” to show that you have fully understood the narrators intention and are interest in the interview. Note that reacting to what the narrator is saying promotes the spirit and ensures them that the interviewer is listening carefully. Bear in mind that the average pace of speaking is between 125 to 175 words per minute. While the thinking speed is between 400 to 800 words per minute.

Oral History Interview & Importance - Part 19

Listening Carefully (1)

Most of us falsely believe that we are good listeners while hearing someone is different from listening. Hearing is the ability of receiving voices while listening requires deep focus and employs other senses. Hearing is an accidental and involuntary incident and includes all the noises and voices we receive from our surrounding; while listening is an active action in a well-informed process which occurs based on our will.

Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 18

Application of Body Language (2)

Nodding or head movement is a sign of interest in the interview and attention to the interviewee. Also, it shows that you have actually understood the interviewee. Some people do it out of habit while listening to others. Make an effort to nod. However, unnecessary movements and excitement are to be avoided. Don’t exaggerate in nodding. It will create an uncomfortable situation.

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.