Oral History Training
Our introduction to oral history training addresses the core elements necessary when embarking on an oral history project.
Our flexible training equips individuals, groups, and volunteers to conduct interviews responsibly and produce high-quality, lasting outcomes. Sessions are available in-person, online, or as a blended programme.
Below is a breakdown of the areas where we can provide guidance and support:
- Oral history project workflow – how to plan, structure, and manage an oral history project from start to finish. Understanding the purpose of oral history, its value as a method, and how it can best serve your projects goals.
- Oral history and the law – key legal and ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, copyright, and data protection.
- Interview preparation – best practices before, during, and after the interview; building rapport, structuring questions, and ensuring participants feel comfortable.
- Technical aspects of recording audio interviews – becoming confident with audio recorders and equipment for achieving high-quality recordings. Practical guidance on editing recordings while maintaining authenticity and integrity.
- Descriptive information for preservation and archival purposes (metadata) – how to record essential information about each interview to ensure it can be accessed, preserved, and used effectively in the future.
- Curating into collections or stories – approaches to presenting and interpreting oral histories for different audiences, whether in exhibitions, publications, or digital platforms.
Through our support participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and ethical dimensions of oral history work, ensuring that their contributions are both meaningful and sustainable.
Training is open to all projects, organisations and individuals, with every session tailored to meet your needs.
To arrange a session or find out more, please contact us.