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On Recording the Interview;Tools

by Iffat Gill | November 23, 2010 at 11:51 AM

Iffat Gill

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Greetings to all the Sisters, (and Scott)

I just wanted to share with everyone the tool I plan to use for recording the interview when doing the first assignment (or even more.) I had issues with taking notes before during different community projects as we sometimes had a group of 20 women to talk to and also record the conversations, which was tough. I could back then, rely on my memory for the most part to be able to produce a report, with the help of major keywords I jotted down.

For these interviews, that we have to do in coming weeks, I plan to use my mobile phone, which comes with a 'conversation record' button for recording it.

Reasons:

- I observed that when you are interviewing, and trying to write down at the same time, sometimes it gets people a bit uneasy, especially those who do not get to be interviewed a lot. You get distracted as well if you are not experienced in short hand (like me.)
- As an activist, I feel the woman I am talking to should feel listened to as well and not just treated as a subject or story.
- The mobile phone/recording device may also get noticed too, but you can say that this conversation is being recorded for your personal reference only for the profile write-up. But as the conversation moves forward, people tend to forget about it and it would also help if you do not place it directly at the face of the interviewee. If they are used to of being interviewed, they won't have this issue.

Hope this helps.
Best,
Rose.

Comments

Hello Rose !
Thanks for posting this ;-)

I always use a recording device or cell phone for recording discussion/interaction.
If you are interviewing for the first time, it’s a good strategy to record the conversation.
I am good with short-hand and I usually do not have any problem, however, it’s easier to delve into the conversation when you’re not writing/taking notes.

As rose pointed out – it’s important to let the interviewee know you’re recording and tell them why you’re recording. Be very calm and confident when you communicate this information. Place the cell at a distance where it is close enough to record both her and your voice clearly. The worst thing can happen to you is when you come home, press ‘play’ – and nothing can be heard!

In case of a telephone interview, you can also use cell phones recording. Let the phone be on speaker and keep your cell phone at close to the phone set. But warning: cell phone signals may disrupt telephone connection.

Hi Farona,

Thanks for the comment. You are right about placing the cell-phone at a distance where recording is actually possible. I did try to record a conversation first while talking to a friend, and it is important to test your device before you go for an important interview.

Best,

Iffat Gill

This is exactly what I did, though I was writing as well. Recording helps you get the words you did not get when writing.

Wish you success as you write your profile assignment

Vivian

''Every woman have a story at every stage of Life''

Thank you Vivian. Wish you all the best.

Iffat Gill

Well i havent yet started my assignment,I received my materials late, due to the fact that i was hospitalised,so i missed a little bit, more so that during the conference call,i heared now we were to ask quetions pertaining to the materials we've been given for module 1, so now i realised i was behind.For me, that i take it as an advice.

Thank you for educating us about recording tools,am grateful to your post Rose.Thanks a lot Gal.

Best wishes on your endovours

Warona

"success will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time " And when confronted conquer with love

Hi Warona,

I appreciate your comment. I attended the call, it was very informative and the recording of it is posted as well if you want to listen to it. Hope you feel better soon and are able to work on your assignment. And don't worry, I am behind the schedule too as far as the interview and write-up goes. :)

Best.
Rose.

Iffat Gill

its really a great help to me, thank u rose

Peace,

Nilima
www.nilichari.wordpress.com

you're welcome!

Iffat Gill

Thanks Rose for posting the tip for everyone! A recording is great help to accurately capture the interview, and direct quotes really make a story come together.

Good luck on the assignment! I am really looking forward to seeing your draft and the final masterpiece. :)

Scott Beck
World Pulse Online Community Manager