In conducting my interview I was shocked and caught off guard when I asked my interviewee to go deeper into his hard times and he replied "I rather not." This was the first time I heard no in any interview; I didn't know what to do so I continued the interview by asking another question. I do wish I would of prepared for this type of responses before hand, or heard an example of how to handle this type of situation. I was disappointed in my interviewee's response because I felt like I only received surface knowledge. However, I did learn a lot about my interviewee, I just felt like there was deeper stories.
The next time I turn research into a piece of writing, I will remember to prepare deeper back up questions. I did come prepared with some back up questions, but they were similar to each one. Bring a more of a variety of questions. Also next time I have to record oral history I will conduct the interview in a quite place with no loud background noises. I feel that more interview practice is needed, but a different type of style then the ones we did in class. In class I did not feel weird or awkward, but when I was giving an interview I felt nervous and weird. So, next time I would do more research for follow up questions and a little more serious practice interviews.
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From this week the most helpful assignment for conducting my interview was the pre-interview packet. The reason why it was the most helpful assignment is because it furthered my thinking about world hardships connecting to single individual. The two historical events I choose to become an expert in was the Vietnam War and the great economic crisis of 2008. The reason why I choose these historic events was because my interviewee was in the military during/after the war and was big into the house financial business. Having questions pre thought out defiantly helped with the interview process; it really helped with any awkward silence too.
Somethings that I took out of this whole interview process is to do prior research, practice anything new and do not be afraid to ask the tough questions. Having research done about world events makes any task easier, because you can have valid opinions with facts to back them up. When I was conducting the interview I realized that having all the practice really did help. It was hard to come up worth some questions on the spot, but at least I knew what to expert. However, I was not tough enough to ask the really deep questions. During the interview when I tried to push harder on dicey topics I was given the response; "I don't want to talk about it." Frankly I was shocked and just moved to a different topic. I plan to pay more attention to detail and be as detailed as possible. Whenever you read a good poem, book or any other writing pieces the best ones are always very descriptive. My interviewee is also someone who I respect and admire and I believe he deserves the best. I want people to know the Mr. Mike that I know , not just some man who happens to live in San Diego. I am going to make this writing piece is going to be different, it is going to be great. From this whole week the one thing that stuck out the most is how awkward correct interviews are. The reason why they are so awkward is because two different people are coming together to learn about one person only. We as people learn to keep our troubles close to us and protect them from others judgments, so having this interview conflicts with our natural instinct. However, I learned that through subtle gestures, body language and speaking tone can drastically change the responses from the person you are interviewing.
The most interesting that I saw in the class was on Wednesday when the theater lady came in, and she did trail interviews and taught us the 'Yes and...'game. I found it very educational seeing the way she acted different when Dr. P change his attitude. It helped me understand why interview are awkward at first and if they are not treated properly then they will go off track. During this time I was sitting in a circle watching them act; I could see when the mood changes when Dr. P acted differently. It was so interesting because I had no idea how Dr. P was going to act next, and plus it was funny. I would want to interview a family friend; his name is Mr. Mike. I met him this year and I know he has been through a lot. I know he was in the Navy as a core-man but know he works as a carpenter; why the huge career change? So i want to hear stories of what he has been through, because I know it is a lot. |
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December 2015
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