The Evolution of Interviewing Techniques in the 1920s

During the 1920s, the world of journalism was in the early stages of transition, where traditional methods of capturing interviews relied heavily on written notes and personal recall. The advancements in audio and visual recording equipment were still in their infancy, making the notebook and pen or pencil the primary tools for reporters.

Primitive Recording Methods of the Early 20th Century

The advent of magnetic tape, which would revolutionize audio recording, came much later. In 1928, developments in magnetic tape technology began, but the equipment was enormous and not practical for everyday use. Instead, journalists and reporters relied on their own memory and notes, making sure to jot down every detail and quote like a note-taking champion. This period was characterized by the dominance of written accounts, newspapers, and the resulting widespread distribution of such reports.

Shorthand and the Notepad

Some reporters honed their shorthand skills to speed up note-taking and ensure accuracy in transcribing interviews. The notepad quickly became the indispensable tool for reporters, not just because of its ease of use, but also because it allowed for a quick and versatile way to capture even the most fleeting of details.

The Rise of Radio and Early Film

While the written word dominated, the advent of radio brought a new dimension to journalism, allowing for real-time broadcasts. Movies and newsreels, which were shown in theaters, also began to capture live interviews, albeit in a highly constrained and stylized format. However, these early forms of audio and visual recording were far from what we know today, relying on cumbersome equipment and large setups.

From Handheld Cameras to Early Sound Technology

Film was mostly confined to larger publications and studios, mostly in the form of newsreels. Cameras were large and unwieldy, making it impractical for casual use. The first "talking" movie, The Jazz Singer, came out in 1927, marking the beginning of synchronized sound in movies.

Early microphones and audio recording devices were available, but they were not widely used due to their size and complexity. Reporters would often use a large acoustic horn to amplify the voice, which the subject would have to speak into. These early microphones were far from portable, making them impractical for on-site interviews. Advances in technology were slow, with audio recording equipment not reaching a portable size until the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Therefore, the 1920s journalism was characterized by the use of notebooks and pencils, with reporters relying on their memory and shorthand skills to capture and later transcribe the essence of interviews. While the early 20th century saw the beginnings of audio and visual recording technology, its practical application and widespread use were yet to come.

In summary, the 1920s were a period of transition in the world of journalism. Notebook and pencil interviews, shorthand, and written records were the norm, with voice and sound recording technology still in its infancy.