Prepare for the Interview

1. Complete forms.
• Read and sign the Interviewer’s Release Form [PDF, 84KB]
• Ask the veteran to complete the Biographical Data Form [PDF, 127KB] and to read and sign the Veteran’s Release Form [PDF, 83KB]
2. Prepare questions before the interview; write them down.
• Review the completed Biographical Data Form [PDF, 127KB] and conduct a pre-interview with the veteran, if possible.
• Use the interview outline [PDF, 2.31MB] for ideas (found on page 2 of the complete Field Kit).
3. Use the highest quality recording equipment and microphone available to you.
• Use external microphones.
• Do not use extended time speeds on recorders.
• Refer to the Accepted Media and Formats Standards page [PDF, 69KB]
4. Become familiar with your recording equipment and test it before you begin the interview.
• Check both sound and lighting before each interview.
• Check battery or power levels, or alternatively, connect the recorder to an external power source. 
5. Interview in a quiet, well-lit room using a stationary chair. Avoid noise from:
• fluorescent lights
• chiming clocks
• heating and cooling systems
• ringing telephones
• televisions, radios and computers
• other conversations
• pets
• outside, such as traffic, wind or rain
6. Be sure the questions and answers are recorded.
• It is not necessary for the interviewer to be seen on camera, but it is important that each question can be heard clearly on the recording.
7. For video interviews:
• Use an external microphone pointed toward the interviewee.
• Mount the camera on a tripod.
• Position the camera a few feet from your interviewee.
• Focus the camera on the interviewee's face, upper body and hands.
• Avoid using the zoom feature while recording.
8. For audio interviews:
• Use an external microphone pointed toward the interviewee.
• Position the microphone nine inches from the interviewee.
• Use a microphone stand.

Be sure the tape has started recording before you start speaking!

How to Participate » Prepare for the Interview