Interviewing Techniques

The interview process can be the most challenging part of the StoryChasing process. These resources can assist learners of any age who are preparing for the interview process.

Preparation
Preparation before the interview begins is important.
 * Research information about the person you will be interviewing and some of the life experiences they have had before you meet. The more background knowledge you have prior to the interview, the better you will be able to ask intelligent and informed questions which will invite the person you are interviewing to feel comfortable and naturally share their story.
 * Talk with other people who know the person you will interview and are familiar with some of their life experiences. Ask them for suggestions about questions to ask or stories to specifically "chase." (Ask about and try to record.)
 * Be sensitive to topics and stories about which the person you are interviewing may be emotional. Talk with others about what you will do if the person you are interviewing gets emotional during the interview. It may be a good idea to bring a small package of tissues (kleenex) with you to the interview.

Questioning Strategies

 * Closed questions have short, defined answers. You may ask some closed questions to start the interview, but you won't want to stick with closed questions.
 * Open questions have longer answers and invite the person you are interviewing to share details about their life, their experiences, and stories they have.

Resource Guides

 * StoryCorps Question Generator
 * OETA World War II Stories Interview Guide (PDF)