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Stop Waiting for the Perfect Mic: The Real-World Gear Guide for Oral History

Don't let gear anxiety stop you from recording. From smartphones to dedicated digital recorders, this guide breaks down the best equipment for family interviews at every price point. Stop waiting and ... ...more

Recording, Tech, and Archiving Basics

December 28, 2025•5 min read

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Mic: The Real-World Gear Guide for Oral History
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Start Preserving Your Stories Today

Invest in the Oral History Starter Kit—prompts, planning tools, and a simple step-by-step process to help you record meaningful stories with confidence.

A guided toolkit that helps you plan, record, and preserve an interview—without the overwhelm.

  • Ask better questions with prompts that invite real stories

  • Stay organized with a simple session plan (prep → record → follow-up)

  • Capture clean audio/video with practical setup guidance

  • Handle sensitive moments with respectful consent and comfort tips

  • Preserve it properly so files stay accessible for the long haul

What's Included

This digital toolkit, developed from years of professional practice, provides the essential tools and templates to start your oral history project today:

  • Project Planning & Scoping Workbook: Define your goals and create a clear roadmap.

  • Customizable Informed Consent Form: The essential ethical document for any project.

  • The Essential Interview Checklist: A step-by-step guide for before, during, and after your interview.

  • Guide to Affordable & Effective Recording Equipment: Our top picks for any budget.

  • Oral History Transcription Template: A professional template to accurately transcribe interviews.

PLUS: Bonus Documents & Community Support (A $125+ Value!)

Here is 🎁 The Interviewer's Success Pack: Your free bonus guides (a $125 value). These added resources ensure you are fully prepared for every interview and have ongoing access to support.

  • The Interview Success Planner: Essential pre-interview worksheet for background research and preparation.

  • The Storykeeper's Log: Critical post-interview field notes template to capture immediate insights.

  • Private Facebook Group Invitation: Connect with fellow practitioners for tips, advice, and support.

Included free with your Starter Kit purchase.

If you want a simple, ethical way to capture meaningful stories—start here.

  • What you get: A complete digital Starter Kit—prompts, planning workbook, session checklist, consent form, and recording/transcription templates.

  • Timeframe: Start planning today and record your first interview this week.

  • Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to preserve meaningful family stories with a simple, ethical process—no experience required.

No experience needed • Ethical consent template included • Step-by-step guidance

One-time purchase. Instant access.

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