|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interviewing Tips for Long-term Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer Listening to people's important stories is a time-honored tradition in virtually every culture. Helping people tell them is a little newer. But it's not rocket science! It can yield even richer tales than if people are left to their own devices, and it is a rich and satisfying experience for both parties. Perhaps you are thinking of interviewing a friend or loved one who is a long-term pancreatic cancer survivor. Or perhaps you are one yourself, and would like to enlist a questioner to help you get your own story "out". The tips below, while by no means requirements, may improve the quality of your experience - and even help you take the plunge! Preparing for the Interview Recording - Audio or video recording your interview is strongly recommended. Among other benefits, it will ensure that you are actively listening to your storyteller, not scribbling away. Setting up - Besides your pre-tested recording equipment, it's good to have with you: extra tape/batteries; an extension cord; a timepiece (set in front of you, not on your wrist); a notepad and pen (more later on this); and a list of key questions. Questions - A basic list of questions should be prepared beforehand, and sent ahead to the storyteller so they can begin getting their thoughts together. The self-posting template on this website at http://www.pancreatica.org/survivors_form.html contains reasonable ones. If your interview is in preparation for your own posting there, we suggest that you consider including them. Your list need not be rigidly adhered to during the actual interview - unexpected gems are often mined when speakers are allowed to venture down their own paths. But a list, like a meeting agenda, helps ensure that crucial ground is explored, and may help to keep the interview focused. Except for establishing important facts, open-ended questions are best - not who or when, but how or why - questions that don't lend themselves to yes/no answers. For instance, ask "how do you remember feeling when you first heard about this disease's statistics?" Not, "when did you learn them?" Time and setting
- an interview can take between 45 and 90 minutes. If your session
seems to be running longer, consider stopping and scheduling
a second session. The setting should be a quiet place (home's
good but not always possible) where the person feels safe, private
and comfortable. Ideally, the only folks who should be in the
room are: the interviewer, the subject, and perhaps - as co-interviewee
- the primary caregiver. Interested others can just "wait
for the tape!"
During the Interview Whose story? As an interviewer, remember that you do not own the other person's memories. Start the interview by assuring them that: a) they don't have to answer every question - if too personal or tough, they can just say so; b) they'll have access to their story before anyone else, for editing to suit them; and c) if they later regret telling you something, you will make sure it's deleted. Listening - The most important interviewing skill is one everyone can master - carefully listening and actively responding to what you hear. If the storyteller feels you are truly engaged with them, they will usually reciprocate by telling you more, and in greater depth, than you could ever have gotten otherwise. Brief and single - Keep your questions brief, and ask only one question at a time. Those sound like no-brainers. In reality, they are among the most commonly committed interview "crimes"! Sensitivity - Remember that the nature of this interview means you'll be reigniting a range of emotions, both positive and negative, as the storyteller remembers times of both great joy and great distress. This isn't a bad thing; it can make for a rich and moving account. But your own ability to treat with humanity the more painful moments will help make your survivor story an uplifting one. Silences - Don't be afraid of occasional silences. Sometimes, especially if the question is a difficult one, the interviewee needs a minute or two to think over what they want to say. Try to avoid the (natural!) tendency to fill every silence with your own words. Interruptions - Similarly, while the urge to clarify a point or ask a follow-up question can be compelling, don't. Make a note of the item on your pad, and come back to it. Follow the leader - As mentioned, detours are often the best part of a story. This is where you must let go of your list temporarily, and probe the new turn with appropriate questions. Use your pad while the storyteller is talking, to briefly jot down promising new areas of inquiry. Roundup - On the other hand, should your storyteller get too deeply mired in a single subject (the medical details, for instance), do try to gently pull them back, by bridging towards your next planned question. "Before we move on to your home recovery, can you tell me how your family prepared for your return from the hospital?" Whose story, again? - Resist using the interview to show off your own knowledge, charm or other attributes, however unintentionally. "Good interviewers never shine … only their interviews do." R-E-S-P-E-C-T
- Demonstrate via your comments, and even your body language,
that you are truly interested in what your storyteller has to
say. They're offering you the great gift of their memories. When
the interview is over, thank them for sharing.
After the Interview First audience - remember - is always the storyteller. Whether you prepare a written transcript or just replay the tape, they get the first crack at what they want to keep as the official version of their story. Congratulations!
We hope you both enjoyed the interview. If you plan to use it
as background for posting a long-term pancreatic survivor story
on http://www.pancreatica.org/survivor_stories.html
you may want to print out a blank copy of the template first,
and use it to take notes about the version you want to put online,
as you replay your interview tape. This will facilitate your
later data entry. |
 |
|
 Home | In The News | Links | Donations FAQ | Clinical Trials Database | Research Resources | About Us |
|
|
|
|
|
www.pancreatica.org |