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Oral history involves communicating with living, breathing human beings. different' from other historical sources. These are: orality, narrative, subjectivity, credibility, objectivity and authorship. 4 To this list many theorists might add performativity, mutability and collaboration.

An oral history interview generally consists of a well-prepared interviewer questioning an interviewee and recording their exchange in audio or video format. Recordings of the interview are transcribed, summarized, or indexed and then placed in a library or archives.

An oral history can be the centerpiece of an historical argument in an essay, chapter, or book. For example, Steven Pressfield wrote the book The Lions Gate by interviewing veterans of Israel's Six-Day War, compiling their different stories into one coherent, ongoing narrative.

8 Steps Starting on an oral history project: deciding on scope, scale, and themes. Personal and/or institutional motivations. Laying the groundwork. Interview preparation and background research. Equipment. Conducting the interview. Thinking about the “final” project. Permanent access for future generations and communities.

Begin with an introduction that identifies who is being interviewed, who is conducting the interview, where, when, and the purpose of the interview. 7. Ask if you have permission to record the interview.

There are four basic types of oral history projects: life histories, topical histories, thematic studies and site/artifact specific research.

Use an outline with prepared questions to ensure that all topics are covered, and add follow-up questions as necessary. For a good oral history it is also important to allow the interview to extend beyond the specific focus of the project, to create as complete a record as possible for the benefit of others.

Introduce the individual, explain the circumstances of the interview, and then literally transcribe your questions and their responses. How should you structure your essay? Present the questions and responses in the order you asked the questions. You may also include an introduction that briefly describes the person.