Always run a test before you begin an interview. Tape about a minute of conversation and then play it back to make sure you are recording properly and getting the best possible sound. A good procedure is to state your name, your tradition-bearer's name, and the date, location, and topic of the interview. This serves both to test the equipment and to orally "label" the tape. When you are confident that all your equipment is in good working order, you are ready to begin.
Start with a question or a topic that will help put your tradition-bearer at ease. You might want to begin with some basic biographical questions, such as "Where were you born?" "Where did you grow up?" Or perhaps you could ask about a story you once heard him or her tell about the topic you are interested in. These questions are easy to answer and can help break the ice.
Remember to avoid questions that will bring only a yes or no response. And, in order to get as much specific information as possible, be sure to ask follow-up questions: "Could you explain?" "Can you give me an example?" or "How did that happen?"
Show interest and listen carefully to what your tradition-bearer is saying. Keep eye contact and encourage him or her with nods and smiles.
Participate in the conversation without dominating it. Try not to interrupt and don't be afraid of silences — give the person you are interviewing time to think and respond. Be alert to what your tradition-bearer wants to talk about and be prepared to detour from your list of questions if he or she takes up a rich subject you hadn't even thought of!
Make use of visual materials whenever possible. Old photographs, family photo albums, scrapbooks, letters, birth certificates, family Bibles, tools, heirlooms, and mementos help stimulate memories and trigger stories.
Don't turn the tape recorder on and off while the interview is in progress. Not only are you likely to miss important information, but you will give your tradition-bearer the impression that you think some of what he or she is saying isn't worth recording. Never run the recorder without your tradition-bearer's knowledge.
Number each tape as you take it out of the tape recorder so that your tapes don't get mixed up. Later you can add all the other necessary information to the label (see below).
Near the end of the interview, take a quick look over your prepared list of questions to see if you've covered everything you wanted to ask.
Be sensitive to the needs of your tradition-bearer. If he or she is getting tired, stop the interview and schedule another session. Between one and two hours is usually just about the right amount of time for an interview.
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