This document provides guidance on conducting oral history interviews. It defines oral history as collecting living people's experiences through interviews. Conducting interviews adds realism and value by preserving stories that would otherwise be lost. The key steps are to plan topics, research background, conduct the interview, process the recordings, and archive the materials. Proper interview techniques include preparing open-ended questions, making the interviewee comfortable, and following up for details. Limitations can include reluctance to share, language barriers, or lack of preparation, but interviews are improved through practice and an open mindset.

1. Oral history interview Objectives of today’s lesson What is oral history interview ? Why oral history interview ? What are the sequences of oral history interview ? How to formulate questions for oral history interview ? What are the mannerisms of oral history interview ? What are the limitations and difficulties of conducting an oral history interview ? How to improve it? Summary

2. Objectives of today’s lesson You will learn how to conduct an oral history interview for your TFU project. You will understand: the steps to conduct a proper oral history interview; the types of questions to ask and the problems and limitations of an oral history interview.

3. What is oral history interview ? Oral history is the systematic collection of living people's testimony about their own experiences. Oral history is not folklore , gossip, hearsay, or rumor. Oral history depends upon human memory and the spoken word. The means of collection can vary from taking notes by hand to elaborate electronic aural and video recordings. It may contain distorted and inaccurate versions of the past, depending on the standpoints pf the interviewees

4. Why oral history interview? Collecting oral history, we have a sense of catching and holding something valuable from the receding tide of the past. It adds a touch of realism to history. Your stories and the stories of the people around you are unique, valuable treasures for your family and your community Everyone has a story to tell and so deserved to be heard. If we do not collect and preserve those memories, those stories, then one day they will disappear forever.

5. What are the sequences of oral history interview ? Formulate a central question or issue. Plan the project. Consider such things as end products, right person to interview, use of technical helps etc. Conduct background research. Interview. Process interviews. Evaluate research and interviews. Organize and present results. Store materials.

6. How to formulate questions for oral history interview ? Prepare questions that are of concern to the main theme. Start off with warm up questions such as personal data. Ask open-ended questions. E.g. Could you tell me about your childhood? Keep your questions short and clear. Ask follow-up questions

7. What are the mannerisms of oral history interview ? Call and arrange for appointment. Be polite, introduce yourself. Be humble, adopt a learner attitude. Be assuring by responding with positive body language like nodding and smiling. Choose a quiet place with minimal noise and distractions. Make the interviewee feel comfortable throughout. Thank the interviewee.

8. What are the limitations and difficulties of conducting an oral history interview ? Interviewee may feel that they have nothing of value to share. Interviewee not comfortable to share. Interviewee not responding. Interviewers’ lack of preparation. Interviewer too nervous. Interviewer’s expectation to hear things they want to hear. Language problem.

9. How to improve? Be prepared. Let go of your prejudices. Be willing to learn. Practise.

10. Summary It is not so much about getting it right, it is more of making the effort to talk.