Blog 7: Reflection of Oral Histories Created in Class

On Tuesday, after a very brief period of preparation, Dr. Chandler broke the class up into pairs to create oral histories about Valentine’s Day from each person’s perspective. We were to conduct interviews with our partners, all while recording the entire session on our phones.

I interviewed Jessica, which was quite laidback since we knew each other from a previous class; I did notice things from the experience though. First, I would definitely want to be more prepared for an actual interview. I understand it was just a class activity, but without having time to think of questions or think of a main focus for the interview, I found it challenging. Second, I tend to be more formal when I do anything pertaining to school, but I realize that may be awkward for the person I’m interviewing, so I have to work on being more adaptive to my interviewee’s personality and mannerisms. Third, I noticed I laughed a lot during the interview. I am conscious of having a nervous laugh, but to actually hear it on tape was a good experience because I know I have to work on it. Fourth, Jessica and I were in a stairwell and when people would walk by or go up or down the stairs, the noise disturbed our conversation and interfered with the recording of our voices. Therefore, I really understood the need to be in a quiet place to interview, even the smallest sound can ruin a recording! Next, I feel that I need to remember the purpose of the interview. Jessica and I got off track a few times too many and if I really needed data from this interview, it would not have been very qualitative. Finally, after reviewing my recording, I realize that for my next interview, I have to have the recording device closer to the interviewee and me. I had it on the desk I was sitting at, but maybe in the future I can have it elevated a bit by some books.

This activity was truly a learning experience. I thought an interview would be much easier than they actually are. However, with preparation and practice, I believe my interviews in the future will be better!