2. Find the story behind the pictures. A great place to start is to review an old photo album together. Record what they say about a few of their favorite pictures. You aren't going to have time to get the story behind every picture, but you can get a few of favorite memories through pictures. Pick the ones that are really funny or the ones where his or her eyes light up as they tell the tale. A picture is worth 1,000 words.
3. Structure is good. You will probably be glad you did your homework and you know what you want to ask when you get together with your relative. You can always ask questions over the phone or email that tech-savvy person with your questions. LifeBio's structure, for example, would have you ask about people in their lives, childhood memories and historical events, the real world of adulthood, and end with values, beliefs, life lessons, and more.
4. Pick a quiet place for an interview. If you are planning to use a video camera, you'll want to pick a quiet spot free of distractions for interviewing mom. If you are interviewing dad and the phone rings or someone walks in the room, it just takes away from the video. Post a sign on the door--do not disturb. Test your equipment and test the spot where you are recording. You want the video to show up well with the lighting in the room.
5. Smile a lot and speak up. Your loved ones want to know that you are glad to be recording their stories. Also, be sure you are speaking loudly and clearly so you don't have to repeat questions. Mumbling is not a good idea when you are the interviewer. Have confidence in yourself and make sure they know how much you want these life stories told--especially for your ongoing genealogy research. You can help them do something important by capturing the priceless gift of life stories for all time. It might just change both of your lives.
Beth Sanders, founder, http://www.lifebio.com/.
*Photo by Jon Wisbey
Comments