Here are some questions to answer before you engage in a video oral history project:
Am I comfortable sharing my personal story with others?
Oral history projects involve sharing personal experiences, reflections, and insights. Before you engage in a video oral history project, consider whether you are comfortable with this level of disclosure. It's important to feel at ease discussing your life and experiences openly and honestly.
What is my motivation for participating?
Reflect on your reasons for wanting to participate in an oral history project. Are you driven by a desire to preserve your personal history for future generations? Do you want to contribute to a broader understanding of a particular era or community? Understanding your motivations will help you determine if the project aligns with your values and goals.
Do I have a unique story to tell?
Oral history projects seek to capture diverse perspectives on historical events, social issues, and personal experiences. Consider whether your life experiences offer a unique vantage point that can enrich the project's narrative. Your story might shed light on underrepresented experiences or provide insights into a particular era or community.
Am I prepared to discuss sensitive or difficult topics?
Oral history projects may touch upon sensitive or difficult topics, such as personal struggles, societal injustices, or traumatic events. Before committing to the project, assess your willingness to engage in these conversations. It's important to feel comfortable discussing such topics with sensitivity and respect.
Am I confident in my ability to communicate effectively?
Oral history projects require the ability to articulate thoughts and experiences clearly and engagingly. Consider your confidence in your communication skills. Do you feel comfortable expressing yourself in front of a camera or microphone? Are you able to narrate your experiences in a way that is both informative and captivating?
Do I trust the interviewer and the organization behind the project?
Before participating in an oral history project, it's crucial to establish trust with your interviewer and ZULAKIS CREATIVE who will be behind the project. Research our mission, values, and track record in handling oral history materials. We’ll pick an interviewer with whom you are comfortable to ensure that the interviewer is respectful, empathetic, and experienced in conducting oral history interviews. And, if they are not experienced, ZULAKIS CREATIVE will help them to learn how.
Am I aware of how my story will be used and preserved?
Inquire about the organization's plans for preserving and using your oral history recordings. Understand how your story will be archived, accessed, and shared with your family or with the public. Ensure that you are comfortable with the organization's policies regarding ownership, access, and usage rights. To learn more, read the Privacy Statement on our website.
Do I feel comfortable with the interview process and the recording environment?
Discuss the interview process with ZULAKIS CREATIVE and your interviewer beforehand. Clarify the length, location, and format of the interview. Ensure that the recording environment is conducive to a comfortable and productive conversation.
Am I prepared to commit to the project's timeline and requirements?
Oral history projects often require multiple interviews and may involve follow-up questions, additional recordings, or a review of transcripts. Be sure you understand the project's timeline and are prepared to commit to the necessary time and effort.
Want to learn more? Let’s get the conversation started!
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