Interview Toolkit

Tips for Recording Interviews

Great interviews don’t require expensive equipment. A smartphone, laptop, or tablet can produce clear audio if you follow a few simple guidelines.

If you’ll conduct the interview in-person and use a laptop or tablet to record, check out the following free tool for recording:

If you’ll conduct the interview(s) in-person and use a smartphone to record, check out these options:

  • Voice Memo app (iPhone or iPad)
  • Google’s Recorder app (Google Pixel)
  • Voice Recorder app (Samsung Galaxy)
  • Dolby On (other android phones)

Make sure to keep your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode while you conduct your interview(s).

If you’ll conduct the interview virtually, you can record your meeting with your calling app:

Recording Person-on-the-Street Interviews

A smartphone is usually the best tool for recording person-on-the-street interviews. It’s portable, easy to hold, and lets you move quickly from one conversation to the next.

  • Find the quietest location you can. Move away from traffic, loud music, or large crowds whenever possible.
  • Hold your phone 6-12 inches from the interviewee. Keeping the microphone close to the speaker makes a much bigger difference than the type of phone you use.
  • Begin recording before you ask your question. Some of the best responses come immediately.
  • Record a quick test clip before interviewing lots of people, and listen to make sure voices are clear.
  • Check that each recording is saved before moving on to your next interview.

Recording Extended and Expert Interviews

A smartphone, tablet, or laptop can all work well for in-person extended and expert interviews. Because these conversations are planned in advance, you have time to create a better recording environment.

  • Choose a quiet location where you won’t be interrupted by televisions, music, fans, or other background noise.
  • Record a short test clip before beginning the interview. Listen to make sure both voices are easy to hear.
  • Place the recording device on a table between you and your interview partner (or close to the person speaking). This helps capture both voices clearly and allows you to focus on the conversation instead of holding the device.
  • Keep the recording device still throughout the interview.
  • Before you leave, listen to a few seconds of the recording to make sure everything was captured successfully.
  • Save and back up your recording as soon as the interview is over.

 

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