Introduction to Oral History: How to do an oral history interview

This workshop introduces oral history practice, focusing on research, ethics, equipment, interviewing techniques and transcribing. It is suitable for community volunteers, family historians, students or anyone with an interest in recording oral histories.

The workshop covers:

• the features of an oral history interview

• advantages of oral history

• qualities of a good interviewer

• how to prepare for an oral history interview (including research, developing questions, identifying suitable interviewees, preliminary interview, choosing interview location)

• interview structure and types of questions

• analysing good and bad interviews

• managing the interview

• how to make a high-quality recording, and suitable equipment

• hands-on practice using professional recording kits

• important steps after the interview

• the ethics of oral history interviewing

• the importance of copyright and conditions of use

Detailed handouts will be provided. 

Please bring your own recorder, if you have one. If not, several will be available on the day.

You will have the opportunity to practice writing questions, as well as to conduct a short interview.

Morning tea provided. Please bring your own lunch.

Cost:

$80 - OHA member. Please contact us (contact@oralhistoryaustraliasant.org.au) if you are not a member and wish to join

$100 - Non OHA member

$85 - for non-member concession*/pensioner/student

*Concession cards include cards issued to the unemployed or pensioners, but not the seniors card. Anyone in financial difficulty should e-mail the Association (contact@oralhistoryaustraliasant.org.au) for possible financial assistance.