Try this short self-assessment. You’ll get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses as a personal history interviewer.
My suggestion would be to work from a printed copy. You can easily do this by scrolling to the bottom and next to Share this click the print button.
This is adapted from a larger self-assessment that I developed for use by our Life Stories volunteers at Victoria Hospice.
_______________________________
1. I listen to my previous recorded interview with the storyteller and make notes on additional questions I want to ask.
always almost always sometimes never
2. I prepare a list of questions I want to cover before my next interview session.
always almost always sometimes never
3. I can leave my troubles at the door and concentrate on the storyteller.
always almost always sometimes never
4. I ensure that the storyteller is as comfortable as possible for the interview.
always almost always sometimes never
5. I ensure that all audio distractions such as telephones, radios, TVs, and music players are turned off.
always almost always sometimes never
6. I try my best to make sure that there are no other people in the room when I’m interviewing the storyteller.
always almost always sometimes never
7. As much as possible, I use open-ended questions which start with: Who, What, When, Where How and sometimes Why.
always almost always sometimes never
8. I provide appropriate supportive non-verbal listening such as nodding, smiling, frowning, leaning forward, and maintaining “non- intense” eye contact.
always almost always sometimes never
9. I use supportive verbal acknowledgment sparingly. This includes such expressions as: I see. Yes. Mmm. Right. Of course. Really. Tell me more. That must have been very difficult.
always almost always sometimes never
10. I keep an open mind and don’t mentally judge the storyteller’s remarks.
always almost always sometimes never
11. I ask only one question at a time.
always almost always sometimes never
12. If I don’t understand what has been said, I ask the storyteller for clarification.
always almost always sometimes never
13. When appropriate during the interview, I recap what the storyteller has told me.
always almost always sometimes never
14. If possible, I face the storyteller and sit no more than five feet away.
always almost always sometimes never
15. I speak in a clear voice and loud enough to be heard by the storyteller and picked up by the recorder mic.
always almost always sometimes never
16. If I sense resistance to a question, I don’t force the storyteller to answer.
always almost always sometimes never
17. I easily admit to being at a loss for the next question and suggest time out.
always almost always sometimes never
18. When I become aware that a response by the storyteller could cause others discomfort, I pause the recorder. I remind the storyteller that others will hear their remarks. I then ask if the storyteller wishes me to continue recording or switch to a different topic.
always almost always sometimes never
19. I’m comfortable with sad, tearful moments.
always almost always sometimes never
20. For the most part, I don’t ask questions from a list, preferring to use it as back up.
always almost always sometimes never
21. I’m genuinely curious and encourage the storyteller to provide more detail and texture to stories. I temper this with a need to balance time constraints and to honor the storyteller’s wishes regarding disclosure.
always almost always sometimes never
22. If I’m recording potentially revelatory stories, I make certain that as soon as possible I acknowledge on the recording that the storyteller has given me permission to record this material.
always almost always sometimes never
23. I know when I’m encountering emotionally charged stories that are beyond my ability and expertise to handle.
always almost always sometimes never
24. I’m comfortable suggesting to the storyteller that the person might wish to speak to a counselor.
always almost always sometimes never
25. I gently bring the storyteller back to the topic at hand if the person has strayed into material that is of little or no interest.
always almost always sometimes never
26. If the storyteller begins to use the interview as an opportunity to malign someone, I stop the recording. I explain that this is not appropriate and that I will not proceed if the storyteller insists on expressing such comments.
always almost always sometimes never
27. I am more concerned at getting the stories behind a life than the facts of the story.
always almost always sometimes never
28. At the end of the interview session I thank the storyteller for taking the time to share memories.
always almost always sometimes never
_______________________
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But seriously, we all need to do a periodic self-examination and ask, “Would I hire myself?” You might be surprised at what you find.
