National Youth Storytelling Showcase

"Tips for a Successful Interview"

These tips can also be helpful in preparation for the National Youth Storytelling Hall of Fame

1. These tips serve only as general guidelines for interviews. It is most important to let the person tell his or her own story in their own way. Take time to really listen to the person you are interviewing. Some of these suggestions may not apply to each person that you choose to interview. Personalize the questions for each person.
2. Speak with the person in advance of the actual interview to set-up an "official" interview time. This will give them advance notice to collect their thoughts and to prepare for the interview. Be sure to explain the purpose of the interview. Sample explanation is provided below:
3. History is more than words on a page, it is about people and their stories. The Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events in Tennessee is coordinating "National Youth Storytelling Showcase: A Celebration" as a part of their annual tribute to Veterans and American Patriots called Celebrate Freedom!T "National Youth Storytelling Showcase: A Celebration" is a chance to open history books, talk to neighbors, interview veterans of the war, and to simply discover the people that have made "National Youth Storytelling Showcase."
4. Special Safety Note: If interviewing someone that you do not know, schedule a public interview location. Take someone with you, and use a battery operated tape recorder in case the interview needs to end quickly. It is your responsibility to use sound judgment and good common sense.
5. At the beginning of the interview secure the full name of the person, current address, date of birth, date and time of interview.
6. Tell about yourself. Talk about yourself. Remember in order to have someone open up about their lives you must share a little about yourself. This will help the person feel more comfortable about sharing.
7. Ask familiar and simple questions. Don't rush the interview; leave plenty of time to become acquainted. Ask questions or comments about simple things like the weather or events in the town. Then ask other general and non-intimidating questions such as:

   a.	What did you do prior to retirement? or Where do you currently work?
   b.	Have you always lived here?
   c.	Where were you born and raised, if not here?
   d.	Do you enjoy traveling? Where have your travels taken you over the years?
   e.	Are you a veteran of the war? If so, where did you serve?
   f.	Was your spouse in the service? If so, where did he/she serve?
   g.	Where were you on September 11, 2001?
   h.	What did you do when you learned of the attacks on Sept. 11 (or any other significant day, i.e.: V-J Day, D-Day, etc.)?
   i.	Please describe ways in which your life has changed because of war? After war? During war?
   j.	And so on until the conversation is at a comfortable point where you can begin to introduce the questions that are related to your specific story topic. Develop your own list of questions that are directly related to your topic. These serve only as examples.
   k.	Gradually lead to more specific questions about the event and feelings surrounding the event. Remember you are working with live people with real feelings. Notice when the question may be sensitive and honor it. He or she may not answer it now but in subsequent interviews.

8. Interview him/her in a quiet, comfortable room with ample lighting. Avoid rooms with noisy clocks or heat and air systems that are distracting.
9. Have your questions ready in advance of the meeting. Have a list of pre-planned questions, but feel free to deviate from the questions in order to explore a better story.
10. Keep your questions simple and short. Ask 'how', 'why' and 'when' in order to avoid receiving 'yes' or 'no' answers. Questions need to encourage them to expand upon their answers.
11. Ask about important events and people in their life. Sometimes you may find that the reason you came changes when you discover the "other" events in someone's life.
12. Remember: Patience is a virtue! Give the person plenty of time to respond and to complete a thought before going on to a new question.
13. He or she may have personal items or photos to share with you which can stimulate memories.
14. Always ask the person if there is anything else that they would like to add on the topic as you are closing the interview.
15. Finally, secure their signature on your release form (required) which will need to be included along with your VHS video entry.
16. Sincerely thank them for sharing their story, and for keeping "America's Story" alive.
17. Always thank the person and ask when you may contact them again if further questions or discussion is needed.
18. Send them a hand-written "Thank You" note within two days of the interview.