Tips for Recording & Conducting Interviews

Recorder Placement

It's best if there isn't a large discrepancy in volume between the researcher and interviewee, so try to place the recorder in a spot that's equidistant between you and the interviewee and angle it slightly toward the interviewee.

It's very helpful if you can provide us with the following:

• • A list of the questions you'll be asking the interviewee.
  • A list of any names and terms you'll use frequently, particularly the names of people within your organization that we may not be able to find on the internet, and also any relevant websites.

Repeat answer back when interviewee whispers or mumbles

If people mumble, an easy way to make what was said clear for the transcriptionist is to repeat the answer back to the interviewee. You can do this unobtrusively by repeating the answer back as a preface to the next question.

e.g. "So you've lived here since birth? Okay, and what is the..."

Noisy environments

Use the "low cut" filter on your recorder if recording in a noisy environment. All reasonably high-end recorders should have this option. All companies make low-end and high-end lines of recorders, and the ones in the lowest-cost lines won't have the capacity to cope well in noisy environments. This is what really separates poor quality from better quality recorders.

A good rule of thumb is that a reasonably good quality recorder will be able to produce MP3 and/or WMA format audio. If it only produces WAV or some other proprietary format, it's not good quality. It should also have an option to record in Extra High Quality Stereo. If it lacks these features, it's not worth the money, because for around $20 more you can get one that will do an excellent job in all recording environments.

Do some tests

If possible, prior to recording, do a few tests in the actual environment where you'll be doing the recording and make sure that you place the test person at the actual distance the interviewee will be from the mic, because you'll need to be sure you can adequately pick up the interviewee's voice, not just the researcher's voice.  It's also important to remember that people often mumble or whisper at the most important points and if you have more than one interviewee, the ones that are the most shy and soft-spoken will usually sit the furthest away from the recorder.

Batteries

Make sure you have fresh batteries before you begin recording. It's an important point that's often forgotten. If you look in the technical specifications for your recorder, either in the information booklet or on the company's website online, they should give you the number of hours the batteries should last. It's a good idea, if possible, to keep a record of how many hours you've been using the recorder and replace the batteries before they wear out.

Avoid rustling papers, tapping or writing near mic

The mics on recorders amplify sound dramatically, so it's important not to rustle papers, type, tap fingers or take handwritten notes right next to the mic. This will make it very difficult for the transcriptionist to hear the conversation and the sharp noise of papers rustling right next to the mic are amplified dramatically by the recorder.

Avoid sitting near computers & having cell phones on

Electronic equipment and cell phones can create electronic interference with the recording equipment and show up as a strong hum on the recording, making it difficult to hear the speakers and hard on the ears.

Avoid interviewing while someone is eating

We understand that lunch hour may the only time you have an opportunity to interview busy people, but it's important to know that it will make it much more difficult for us to clearly hear what is being said. It's actually a lot easier for the people present to hear what's being said than for the recorder to pick it up.

Use the "low cut" filter on your recorder if recording in a noisy environment. All reasonably high-end recorders should have this option. All companies make low-end and high-end lines of recorders, and the ones in the lowest-cost lines won't have the capacity to cope well in noisy environments. This is what really separates poor quality from better quality recorders.