3: How to conduct a great interview

Show notes, episode #3

There are two major skills you need for life story writing: writing and interviewing. Today were going to talk about what's probably the more important of the two—interviewing.

Setting

Choosing the right environment for the interview is crucial. Make sure it's someplace where your storyteller is at ease. (This will usually be in their home, or, occasionally, at their office.)

Recording gear and set-up

• iPhone or iPad vs dedicated recorders
• the importance of having a backup recorder
• optimal placement of the recorders
• also recommended for your gear kit: extra batteries and an extension cord
• start the session with the date, name of the storyteller, and interview number

Interview skills

• don't expect yourself to be perfect at the beginning
• the more you practice (on friends, relatives, the barista at your coffee shop...), the better you'll get
• the advantage of practicing on non-paying people before you take on paying clients
• the importance of active listening
• getting the details to bring their stories to life