Your interview planner
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A family-history interview works best as a conversation rather than an interrogation. A short set of open questions gives you a starting point while leaving room for the person to decide what they want to share.
Agree on the conversation first
Explain why you are asking, how you plan to keep the notes, and whether you hope to share them. Ask before recording. Agree that the person can skip a question, stop, or ask you not to include a detail. Recording requirements differ by place; obtain clear permission rather than assuming a family relationship settles the issue.
The planner creates an outline from topics you choose. Add the person's preferred name and an optional question of your own, then copy or download the result. Nothing is sent to a relative or stored by the site.
Ask for a scene, not a verdict
“What did a school morning look like?” invites detail. “Was your childhood happy?” can be difficult to answer and may impose a frame the person would not choose. Follow their answer with “What happened next?” or “How do you remember that?”
Opening: Is there anything you would especially like to talk about today? Prompt: Tell me about a place you knew well as a child. Follow-up: What could you hear or see there? Who else was usually around? Source question: Is that something you remember yourself or a story someone told you? Closing: Is there anything from today you would prefer I keep private?
Preserve different kinds of memory
Personal recollections, family stories, and later interpretations all have value, but label them differently. Do not argue over every uncertain date during the conversation. Note the uncertainty and check records later when appropriate.
Avoid leading prompts that contain the answer you want. “Why did your father dislike that town?” assumes a feeling. “What did your father say about the town?” leaves the answer open.
Close with care
Ask whether the person would like a copy and whether you can follow up with another question. Record the interview date and any limits on sharing beside the notes. Download your plan before closing this page. A considerate process protects the relationship and gives the memories a clearer context for future readers.