Conducting an interview to gather information
1. An interview requires specific, concise, and direct questions with a goal in mind (where did you fight during WWII?).
2. Include open-ended questions to learn more about the person’s attitudes, personality, and beliefs (What should today’s students learn from your experiences in the war?) .
3. Avoid nervous distractions (drumming with a pencil) and speak in a firm and clear voice.
4. Listen carefully and look like you are listening. Eye contact when asking a question.
5. Be polite. The interviewee is giving her time to you; it is not her assignment.
6. Take records. A short interview with point-form notes; a longer interview may need to be taped. Make sure your records are complete enough to write up your interviewee’s story.
7. Don’t be afraid to pursue an interesting angle. If your WW II veteran is also telling you about his life as a teenager during the 1930's, take notes. It could be better than what you planned.
8. Edit the final product. Keep it accurate, but just keep the best material.
9. Make sure you have written permission to publish the interview to the Internet.
10. Thank the interviewer!