Appendix B​: Tips for a Successful Interview

Every interview should contain several segments. Dividing an interview into segments allows for gathering important details while nurturing memory. In the case of your Honors Campaign, and the Veterans History Project, we are hoping to capture recollections of life experiences and of the most memorable moments in wartime. We also hope these interviews will shed light on how the veteran’s service influenced his or her postwar life.

It is important to let the veteran tell his or her own story. The suggested questions were developed to provide general guidance only, so don’t feel obliged to ask all the questions we are suggesting or to limit yourself to these questions.

Have the veteran complete the Biographical Data Form in advance of the interview. (See Appendix K.) You will notice that some of the questions may not apply to the person you are interviewing. To avoid asking those questions, review the Biographical Data Form before the interview. It will help you ask the most relevant questions.

Feel free to share a few general questions with the participant beforehand. Often interviewees are more comfortable if they know what kinds of questions you might ask.

Prepare yourself for the interview by reading about the war(s) the veteran served in and by reviewing maps and atlases. Before you interview a veteran, you may find it useful to know more about the field of oral history or to read about the war(s) in which your interviewee was involved. Learning about a particular war may help you feel more comfortable talking with someone who served in the military or who engaged in civilian support work during that time. Students especially need to do some background research in order to place their interview in a larger historical context. Please refer to the Veterans History Project site bibliographies and research tips or ask a local librarian for help in identifying appropriate books, articles, and other resources.

If possible, record an interview using the camera or audio apps on a smartphone or tablet?
Note that the Veterans History Project (VHP) media and format requirements are compatible with pre-loaded software on most mobile devices. Always choose a quiet, indoor location, and test your device before recording.

For iOS Users (iPad, iPhone, iTouch)

  •  Use “Camera” App for video recordings
  • Set default video format to MOV
  • Use “Voice Memo” App for audio recordings
  • Set audio quality to at least 44.1 kHz (16-bit). The 96 kHz (24-bit) setting is ideal.
  • Use landscape (horizontal) orientation for video recordings
  • Import recordings through “iTunes”
  • Submit recordings to VHP on either CD/DVD or USB (thumb/flash) drive.

For Android Users

  • Use “Camera” App for video recordings
  • Set default video format to 3GP
  • Use “Voice Recorder” App for audio recordings
  • Set audio quality to at least 44.1 kHz (16-bit). The 96 kHz (24-bit) setting is ideal.
  • Use landscape (horizontal) orientation for video recordings
  • Import recordings through USB Cable
  • Submit recordings to VHP on either CD/DVD or USB (thumb/flash) drive.

Visit www.loc.gov/vets for the latest, detailed mobile device recording instructions.

Does the Honors Campaign require transcripts?
Yes, for certain aspects of a Campaign. We do not require transcripts with all donated collections, but we do in some cases. Please submit them as plain text files (.txt or .rtf file formats) on a CD, DVD or USB (flash/thumb) drive. Transcripts in specific formats are required for:

  • Veteran nominations to Who’s Who Among Oklahoma Veterans
  • Obviously, personal biographies of veterans and other book publications.
  • Students nominations for Letters of Recommendation, Consult with Hero Coupons, and Recognition at OKMHF Induction Ceremonies must include at least one veteran interview transcript produced by the student being nominated.