Best Practices for Recording Oral Histories

Recording high-quality oral histories requires preparation, good technique, and the right tools. Here are expert tips to help you capture the best possible recordings.

Equipment and Setup

While you don't need expensive equipment, good audio quality is important:

• Use a quiet room with minimal background noise
• Position yourself close to the speaker
• Test your recording device before starting
• Ensure your device has enough storage space

Interview Techniques

Effective interviewing skills will help you capture richer stories:

• Start with easy, open-ended questions
• Listen actively and show genuine interest
• Allow for silence - don't rush to fill gaps
• Ask follow-up questions to explore interesting topics
• Respect the storyteller's pace and comfort level

Transcription and Organization

After recording, use VoiceHistory's oral history app to convert your recordings to text. Review and edit the transcriptions to ensure accuracy, then organize them into collections or books.

Preservation

Store your recordings and transcriptions in a safe, accessible location. VoiceHistory provides secure cloud storage so your family stories are protected and accessible from anywhere.