Oral history gives ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences a way to share their story and have it documented permanently, where they probably would not have otherwise been heard. Oral history can be presented in many different formats, such as audio, video, interactive videos, live performances, and online presentations. Oral history provides a more emotional connection to the past, making it easier for people to understand and connect to history. Oral history does not require great expense to produce. Oral history can be produced locally to capture otherwise undocumented events of a particular place and time.
Oral history holds a person's attention better than reading a regular book or hearing a lecture.
A person is more likely to remember what they have learned through oral history. Audio and video recordings require special care from professionals who are knowledgable about the proper storage, handling, and maintenance of these materials. Interviewing skills are essential in conducting a successful project. It requires organization, forethought, and experience in similar types of interviews and dealing with people. Difficulty in cataloging and indexing, as would be the case with many unconventional formats.