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Ever sat down with a relative and walked away with stories that you didn't even know existed? If you haven’t, it's time to unlock the power of family interviews! Conversations with your relatives can unearth those hidden gems—stories that bring your family history to life.
But how do you go beyond surface-level facts and capture the rich details of your family's past? Let’s dive into five simple tips that will help you conduct powerful interviews with family members.
1. Be Prepared with a Purpose
Before you begin any family interview, take a moment to think about the information you want to gather. Are you looking for specific dates and names to fill out a family tree? Or are you hoping to capture personal narratives, like stories of childhood or memories that reveal your ancestor’s personality?
Creating a list of questions can help guide the conversation. But don’t just limit yourself to yes-or-no questions! Try asking open-ended questions like, "What was a typical day like for you as a child?" or "Can you tell me about a favorite family tradition?" These can help unlock stories you might never have imagined.
2. Record the Conversation
It’s easy to get caught up in a great story and forget the details later. That’s why recording the conversation is so important! Whether you use a simple phone recorder, a digital device, or even Zoom, having a recorded interview will allow you to go back and re-listen to details that may have slipped by in the moment.
But remember, always ask for permission before hitting record. Some people may feel uneasy about being recorded, so be sure to respect their comfort level.
3. Be an Active Listener
While it's great to have your list of questions, the real magic happens when you listen closely to what your family member is saying. Make eye contact, show genuine interest, and when something piques your curiosity—ask follow-up questions.
Let the conversation flow naturally. If your relative starts to reminisce about an old family tradition or shares an unexpected story, lean into it! Sometimes, the best stories come from those unscripted moments.
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4. Respect Boundaries
Family stories can be deeply personal, and some relatives may not be comfortable sharing certain topics. It's important to respect their boundaries and avoid pressing for information they’re not willing to discuss.
If a subject feels sensitive, let it go. The goal of these interviews isn’t to force information but to create a meaningful exchange of stories that everyone feels comfortable sharing.
5. Have Fun and Cherish the Experience
This process should be fun! Laugh together, reflect, and enjoy the time spent connecting with your family. If you’re not having fun during these interviews, something’s off. You’re not just gathering facts—you’re creating moments that both you and your family member will treasure for years to come.
What Are You Waiting For? Interviewing Relatives is Fun!
So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this post and go interview a relative today!
Then, come back and let me know—what amazing stories did you discover?
The full video that compliments this blog post is available on the Write Your Family History YouTube Channel.