Interviewing a Grandparent

Interviewing a grandparent (or parent) is a wonderful way to learn about their life story and your family’s history. As a Legacy Video producer, below are a few of my tips to help you make the most of your grandparent interview:

1. Prepare Questions
Before the interview, create a list of questions that you would like to ask your grandparent. Consider topics like their childhood, family traditions, family history, historical events and choices they may have made. This will help guide the conversation and ensure you cover the topics important to you.

2. Select the Setting
Find a quiet space to conduct the interview. Ensure there are minimal distractions (turn off cell phones, reschedule lawn maintenance, etc) so that both you and your grandparent can relax and focus on each other.

3. Record the Interview
Record the interview with your grandparent’s permission. For ways to record, visit my post: ‘Recording a Grandparent’s Stories’.

4. Be an Active Listener
Display genuine curiosity and interest in your grandparent’s stories. Listen attentively, maintain eye contact and lean in to show you are engaged.

5. Encourage Storytelling
Encourage your grandparent to go into details and elaborate with descriptions. This can bring their experiences to life and make the interview more meaningful.

6. Ask Follow-up Questions
As the conversation unfolds, don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or seek clarification on certain points. This can help you gain a deeper understanding and uncover additional details that may be fascinating or important.

7. Be Sensitive and Patient
Some questions or topics may evoke strong emotions or memories. Be mindful of your grandparent’s reactions. If they seem uncomfortable or reluctant to answer a particular question, respect their boundaries and move on to a different topic.

8. Express Gratitude
After the interview, take the time to express your gratitude to your grandparent for sharing their stories. Let them know how much you appreciate their time and the opportunity to learn from them.

***

For questions to ask your parent or grandparent, visit my post: ’25 Legacy Question’.

For tips on making your own Legacy Video, visit my post: ‘How to Make a Legacy Video’.

Or let us do the work for you! (See below)

~ Legacy Videos ~

Give your parent or grandparent the gift of a lifetime by capturing their life story for your family to know!

Here at Family Tree Video, we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview with a parent or grandparent together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing your loved one as they recount their life story, family history and memories – a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.

Your stories are too important to leave to memory. Learn more about giving the gift of a Legacy Video by FamilyTreeVideo.com.

Learn More

Family Tree Video LLC
Legacy Video Production
Since 2008

Susan Saunders
(312) 402-6406

Like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram!
Interviewing a Grandparent