
Learning Interview & Recording skills is valuable for groups working on local community or history projects. Capturing first-hand accounts of social change creates a lasting contribution for future generations.
Our training covers both the technical aspects of recording and the human side—helping people feel at ease, addressing consent and confidentiality.

We believe the process of gathering memories is just as important as the memories themselves. It’s about focusing on the individual, their needs, and the act of communication and sharing, rather than simply collecting stories. The quality of the interaction makes all the difference.
The training is tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.

Our training covers a range of hands-on topics, including:
- Reminiscence Icebreaker: Working in pairs with photographs to spark memories.
- The Benefits of Oral History and Reminiscence: Exploring why these practices matter.
- Practical Interviewing: Paired practice sessions to build confidence.
- Interview Role Play: A fun drama activity followed by a discussion on technique.
- Consent and Copyright: Understanding the essentials of ethical recording.
- Using Memorabilia: How objects can trigger meaningful memories.
- Project Topics: Ideas to guide your project’s focus.
- Listening Exercise: Hearing a few extracts from real interviews to reflect on style and content.
- Transcription Tools: Exploring helpful aids to make transcription easier.
- Creative End Products: From Life Story Books to websites and exhibitions.
You’ll also receive a booklet with training notes. During sessions, we use digital voice recorders to give you practical experience.
What you need to know
This training is perfect for groups starting a project to collect people’s memories, especially if you’ve received funding. We tailor each session to suit your project’s goals and participants.
When
Ready to get started? Contact us to book an Interview & Recording skills training session.
Cost
The session lasts for 2 hours and costs £60 per person. For groups, it's £200 for up to 6 people or £250 for up to 10.