Tips for Taping Family Interviews Use the best quality equipment and tapes available.  Bring extra tapes and batteries (or an AC adapter).  Remember, tapes are cheap; memories are priceless. Make your interviewee comfortable before you begin.  Assure him or her that the interview is an informal, “family” affair. Do the interview in a place with no distractions (appliances, pets, children) and turn off that phone!! Place the microphone (tape recorder or camcorder) between you and your subject (or slightly closer to the person with the softer voice) so that the recorder can pick up both voices. Test equipment just before the interview to make sure it is working. Label both sides of the tape. When you begin to record, identify everyone involved in interview (including yourself) as well as the date and place of the interview. Speak slowly and clearly.  Do not allow your voice to trail off at the end of phrases or sentences. Limit the interview to one person.  Multiple voices lead to confusing tapes. Spell aloud any proper names mentioned, especially unusual names or names that could be easily mistaken for other names (“Did she say Dan or Don?”). Leave the tape visible in the tape recorder or use a timer so that you will know when the tape is running out. Limit the length of your interview to an hour or less.  It is better to have several short interviews than one long one. Don’t let the tape control the interview.  It is okay to allow long pauses for thinking and remembering. Realize that many people are nervous around tape recorders and video cameras.  Calm their fears as best as you can. Make sure that the interviewee understands how the tape will be used, to avoid misunderstandings.  The people you interview will be putting their trust in you.  Don’t break that trust. Have FUN and thank your interviewee at the end of each session.