How to Conduct an Oral History Interview (For Teens!)
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
Have you ever wished you could hear stories from the past straight from someone who lived them? Oral history interviews are a powerful way to capture the memories and experiences of people in your community—whether it’s your grandparent, a neighbor, or a teacher. These interviews help preserve history in a way that books can’t. They capture real voices, real emotions, and real experiences.
I know this firsthand. Some of the most meaningful moments of my life have come from sitting across the table from World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors, listening to their stories. I’ve had the privilege of hearing firsthand accounts of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The are stories that will never be found in history textbooks. I’ve sat with men who liberated concentration camps, women who built great warships, and survivors who endured unimaginable horrors yet still found hope. These conversations changed me. They made history come alive, not as something distant and impersonal, but as real, flesh-and-blood experiences that shaped the world we live in today.
That’s the beauty of oral history. It connects us to the past in a deeply personal way. And the good news is you don’t have to be a historian or a journalist to conduct an oral history interview. Anyone can do it, including you! All you need is curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a few simple tools.
If you’re ready to preserve history and give someone the chance to share their story, here’s everything you need to know to get started!
What is Oral History?
Oral history is a way of recording and preserving people’s stories through interviews. Instead of reading about history in a textbook, oral history allows you to hear it firsthand from someone who actually lived through it!
Who Should Conduct an Oral History Interview?
Anyone! If you’re interested in learning about the past and helping to preserve personal and community history, you can conduct an oral history interview. All you need is curiosity, respect for the person you’re interviewing, and a willingness to listen.
Who Should You Interview?
You can interview:
- Grandparents or older relatives
- Veterans or people who served in the military
- Community leaders or longtime residents
- Teachers or coaches
- Someone who experienced an important moment in history
The person telling their story is called the narrator—because they are sharing their personal experiences with you.
Are Oral History Interviews Only Audio Recordings?
No! While many oral history interviews are recorded as audio files, you can also record video, take notes, or even write down stories by hand. You might also take a photo of the person or any objects they talk about during the interview.
How Long Should the Interview Be?
Start with 15 minutes—that’s usually long enough to hear an interesting story without making the narrator too tired. If they’re enjoying it, you can always go longer!
What If the Narrator Has Trouble Remembering or Feels Uncomfortable?
- If they forget something, give them time. Sometimes memories need a few moments to surface.
- If they don’t want to answer a question, that’s okay. Move on to another topic.
- Help them feel comfortable by smiling, nodding, and showing interest in their stories.
What If the Recorder Makes the Narrator Nervous?
- Before starting, show them how the recorder works and let them get used to it.
- Remind them that they can take breaks or stop whenever they want.
- If they prefer, you can start without the recorder and just take notes at first.
How Many People Should Be in the Interview?
Just you and the narrator! Too many people can be distracting. If you have a partner, they can help take notes, but keep the group small.
What If the Narrator Wants to Talk About a Photograph or Other Object?
Great! Objects like photographs, letters, or old toys can help spark memories. If they bring something up, take a picture of it so you can remember later.
Checklist: What to Do Before the Interview
✔ Choose your narrator (someone with interesting life experiences)
✔ Pick a quiet place (background noise can be distracting)
✔ Test your recorder (make sure it works!)
✔ Bring tissues (some memories may bring tears)
✔ Practice active listening (eye contact, nodding, and saying “Wow, that’s interesting!”)
✔ LISTEN! (Don’t interrupt—let them talk.)
How to Start the Interview
Begin with an introduction:
🎤 “My name is [your name]. I am interviewing [narrator’s name] on [date]. We are talking about [topic].”
What Topics Can You Cover?
You can ask about:
- Historical moments (e.g., “What do you remember about 9/11?” or “What was life like before cell phones?”)
- Life topics (e.g., “What was your childhood like?” or “How did you meet your best friend?”)
- Family traditions (e.g., “What was your favorite holiday tradition growing up?”)
How to Ask Follow-Up Questions
If they tell a great story, keep the conversation going! Try asking:
🗣 “Can you tell me more about that?”
🗣 “How did you feel when that happened?”
🗣 “What happened next?”
Possible Interview Questions
💬 “What is one of your favorite childhood memories?”
💬 “What was school like when you were growing up?”
💬 “Did you have a favorite teacher? Why?”
💬 “What was the biggest change you’ve seen in your lifetime?”
💬 “What advice would you give to young people today?”
Final Tip: Have Fun!
Remember, an oral history interview isn’t a test—it’s a conversation. Enjoy the stories, laugh at funny memories, and appreciate the chance to learn something new from someone who’s lived it. Who knows? You might even discover a story that changes the way you see the world!
🎤 Now it’s your turn! Who will you interview first?
Interested in reading fiction based on true stories?
More Resources
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