Adult Interview Guide

This guide is adapted from StoryCorps® interview content that accompanies the audio/ book set, Listening is an Act of Love (Penguin Press, 2007), edited by StoryCorps founder and Executive Director Dave Isay. It offers practical guidelines and inspiration for recording interviews with family, friends, loved ones and others.

Although the Our Stories™ site does yet support uploads of individual stories, in the U.S., you can record your story for StoryCorps at one of their permanent and traveling StoryBooth locations. Or you can simply record your own interviews using this guide and keep them in a safe place. You can also share them with your community; many local historical societies and universities have places for archiving and sharing audio recordings.

For inspiration, you can hear many of the wonderful stories already collected by StoryCorps at the Our Stories website (www.ourstories.org) as well as on the StoryCorps site (www.storycorps.net).

The Conversation of a Lifetime:
How to Interview for Powerful Personal Storytelling

Adapted from materials by StoryCorps (www.storycorps.net).
Copyright © 2007 Sound Portraits Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

This guide is designed to help you conduct an interview and ask the questions you've always wondered about. You may be surprised by the power of the interview. Here's how to get started:

1. Pick a storyteller.

Decide who you want to interview. A grandparent? An old friend? Your mom?
Keep in mind that the person you invite might be hesitant. “I don’t have much to talk about,” he’ll say, or, “You already know everything about my life.”
Tell him how important you think his story is and how valuable it will be to future generations.
Let that person know you would be honored to record his story, and that you will respect his wishes when choosing how and where to share it. If planning on uploading your story to the Our Stories site or to another online resource, be sure your interview subject understands that it may be shared online, and that he or she approves of this before you add the story to the site.

2. Create a question list.

No matter how well you know your storyteller, a little preparation will improve the quality of your interview enormously. What would you like to learn from that person? What have you always wanted to ask?
The StoryCorps site features an easy-to-use question generator to make preparing your questions a little easier. You can find it at http://www.storycorps.net/record-your-story/question-generator.

Here are some questions that may get great responses:
• What have you learned in life?
• What does your future hold?
• What are you most proud of?
• Do you have any regrets?
• What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest?
• Is there something about yourself that you think no one knows?
• How would you like to be remembered?

At the end of this guide, you'll find more suggested questions on a variety of topics.

We’ve also found that at the end of a session it can be powerful to tell the person you’re interviewing what she means to you, and to share your reaction to some of the things that were said.

3. Purchase or borrow recording equipment (and try it out).

It's fairly easy to make a terrific and clear recording of someone’s voice if you’re careful and follow a few simple steps. We strongly suggest that you create a recording with the best sound quality possible—it’s much more enjoyable and easy to listen to, and will be appreciated by future generations.

You will need three pieces of equipment:
• a recording device
• a microphone
• a set of headphones (if possible)
  
  
The recording equipment can be as simple as a micro-cassette recorder or basic digital voice recorder, a pair of headphones, and an inexpensive microphone (handheld, not clip-on). You can even record using the built-in microphone on a computer (though you'll want to be sure you both speak clearly into the computer microphone).

You can find both basic and more sophisticated recording equipment at your local electronics store. You may also be able to rent a StoryKit from StoryCorps (available for use in the U.S.), which you can also learn about at their website. (Please note that StoryCorps is a small non-profit organization, and there is usually a long waiting list to rent a StoryKit).

Whatever equipment you choose, we strongly suggest that you practice using it before you sit down for your interview.

A few things to remember about the recording process:
• It’s best to always wear headphones when recording. Your headphones are your “ears” for the interview; they tell you exactly what you’ll hear on your finished recording. Use them to adjust the microphone position so the sound is as clear as possible.
• Hold the microphone close, about one spread-out hand’s length from your storyteller’s mouth. Always hold the microphone in your hand, moving it between you and your storyteller.
• If the microphone is part of a computer, be sure you and your storyteller are seated close enough to the computer mic to be recorded clearly (and don't type on your keyboard while recording).
• Be careful of microphone noise. The low rumbling sound you hear when you move the microphone in your hands is known as “mic-handling noise.” You can avoid it by using a light touch and not shifting around too much. If you need to move the microphone, make sure to wait until your storyteller has finished speaking.
• You may want to gather a group of friends and purchase recording equipment together. Someone from the group can act as the “engineer” during your interview and operate the equipment so you can focus on asking the questions. You can also share and talk about the stories you’ve recorded with the group.

4. Choose an interview location.

Pick the quietest place possible. A carpeted living room or bedroom is often best. Avoid large empty rooms and kitchens, which are filled with reflective surfaces and appliance noise.

Make your surroundings peaceful and serene. Try to relax, and do whatever you can to make you and the person you're interviewing comfortable.

Prevent noisy distractions. Close the door and hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door knob; unplug the phone; turn off your cell phone. Turn off anything that is making noise: buzzing fluorescent lights, air conditioners, fans. Listen for noise during the interview as well. If your storyteller fiddles with her necklace, for example, feel free to let her know it’s making noise. Never record interviews with a radio or television on in the background.

5. Set up and test the equipment.

Set up your equipment as early as possible and make sure you’re comfortable with it. This way you’ll be able to focus on the person you are interviewing and not the equipment.

Before you begin your interview, record your storyteller answering a few warm-up questions such as “Can you describe what this room looks like?” or, “Tell me what you had for breakfast.” Stop, rewind and listen to the recording you just made to make sure everything is working.

Remember to press RECORD again when you start the interview for real.

6. Begin the conversation.

Start your interview by stating your name, your age, the date and the location of the interview. For example, “My name is Annie Smith. I’m forty-one years old. The date is November 23, 2008, and I’m sitting with my grandfather Mark Smith in his living room in Hannibal, Missouri.” Then ask your storyteller to state the same information.

As you get started with the interview, use your question list. Remember, the questions you write in advance are just suggestions. Trust your instincts. If something interests you or seems appropriate for further exploration, ask more questions.

Sometimes your storyteller will need “permission” to talk about a certain topic. Granting that permission might be as easy as saying, “Tell me more.”

Don’t let the question list constrain you. Feel free to ask questions in whatever order feels right. Don't feel like you have to ask all of your questions. And take breaks if your storyteller needs them.

Try not to say “uh huh” or interrupt when something interesting or important is being said. You can always use visual cues like smiling or nodding your head when you want to encourage the storyteller to keep talking.

7. Get Great Stories

Here are some tips for helping the conversation flow:
• Listen closely. Look at your storyteller’s eyes, not into the microphone.
• Nod your head. Smile. Stay interested and engaged.
• Be yourself. You can laugh with the person you are interviewing or even cry with him. Real moments are the best moments. Stick with the good stuff.
• When you hear something that moves you, feel free to talk about it more.
• If the current topic isn’t what you wanted to put on tape, gently steer the conversation back on course.
• Ask emotional questions. Questions such as “How does this make you feel?” often elicit interesting responses. Don’t be afraid to ask.
• Respect your subject. If there’s a topic she just doesn’t want to talk about, respect her wishes and move on.
• Take notes during the interview. Write down any questions or stories you might want to return to later in your interview. (If using a computer to record the interview, don't type on the keyboard – use a notepad and a pen or pencil).
• Be curious and honest and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.

8. Finish the Interview

Before you turn off your recorder, ask the storyteller if there is anything else that she wants to talk about, and thank her for being part of the interview.

Sharing a story can be difficult for some people. It’s a privilege to have someone share her story with you. Express your gratitude, and share your feelings about the interview if you were moved by what was said.

If you have a digital camera, take a picture of your interviewee against a neutral background (or, if there’s someone else around, have him take a picture of the two of you). To see similar photos, go to the StoryCorps site.

Make sure to label your recordings properly, make copies for relatives and friends and store them in a safe place so they’ll be available for generations to come. (Unfortunately, StoryCorps and Our Stories currently don't have the capacity enter these do-it-yourself interviews into our archives.)

9. Share the Conversation

The conversation doesn’t have to end once you turn off your recorder. In fact, it may just be the beginning of a powerful dialog.

With the permission of your storyteller, you might share the interview by making copies of your recording to give to family and friends.

You might also host a listening party. Invite others to your home to listen to your recording and share a conversation afterward.

10. Plant a Seed

Storytelling can be a powerful tool, and you are only limited by your imagination.
• If you're a teacher, for instance, you might consider playing clips in your classroom as part of a history or writing unit. You can also use this process as a class activity. Our Stories has a separate Student Interview Guide to help students (and their teachers) collect personal stories through recorded interviews.
• If you belong to a mentoring program, you could interview your mentor or person you're mentoring about his or her life experiences, hopes and goals.
• If you're a member of a special organization or trade group, you might want to use this process to preserve the stories of founders and other instrumental in its development.

Interview Checklist

Use this checklist as an easy way to remember interviewing and recording techniques for capturing and preserving stories.

Things to Bring to the Interview:

• Your question list
• Recording device
• Microphone
• Headphones
• Extra batteries and tapes
• Pen or pencil
• A notepad or notebook

Before You Begin the Interview:

• Find the quietest place possible to record.
• Close the door and hang out a "do not disturb" sign if possible.
• Turn off radios and TVs and move away from noisy appliances like refrigerators and clocks.
• Make sure you and your storyteller are comfortable.
• Make sure your storyteller understands that you are recording the conversation, and, if you intend to share the recording with others online or through another medium, that the storyteller approves of this use before you begin recording.
• Do a test recording, holding the microphone about one spread-out hand’s distance from your storyteller’s mouth. If anything sounds strange, stop and identify figure the problem before starting the interview.

During the Interview:

• Double-check that the recorder is actually recording (not on PAUSE).
• Start each tape with an ID: State your name, your age, the date and the location of the interview. Ask your storyteller to state the same information.
• Don’t say “Uh huh” when your subject is talking. Instead, nod your head or smile to encourage your storyteller to continue.
• Ask emotional questions such as “How did this make you feel?”
• Ask open-ended questions, rather than those that can be too easily answered with a "yes" or a "no"
• Look your storyteller in the eyes and stay engaged with the interview.
• Respect your subject always – don't force discussion on uncomfortable topics.
• Don’t be afraid to linger on amazing moments in the interview — if you hear something you’re interested in, ask follow-up questions.
• Be curious and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.

When You Finish:

• Ask your storyteller if she has anything else to share, and thank her for sharing her story.
• If you recorded the interview on tape, label it for later reference.
• Store the tapes in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight.
• Share the recording with others who might enjoy it, and make a copy for your storyteller.

Suggested Interview Questions

The following questions have sparked wonderful answers and powerful stories during interviews conducted in StoryCorps booths. They may inspire great conversations for you, too.

• What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
• What are you most proud of?
• What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest?
• Is there something about yourself that you think no one knows?
• How would you like to be remembered?
• Is there anything we didn’t talk about that you would like to add?

• When and where were you born?
• Where did you grow up and what was it like?
• Tell me about your parents.
• Did you get into trouble? What was the worst thing you did?
• Do you have any siblings? What were they like growing up?
• What did you look like?
• How would you describe yourself as a child? Were you happy?
• What is your best memory of childhood? Worst?
• Did you have a nickname? How’d you get it?
• Who were your best friends? What were they like?
• How would you describe a perfect day when you were young?
• What did you think your life would be like when you were older?
• Can you tell me some classic stories from your childhood?

• What are your best memories of grade school/high school/college/graduate school? Worst memories?
• What kind of student were you?
• What would you do for fun?
• How would your classmates remember you?
• Was there a teacher or teachers who had a particularly strong influence on your life? Tell me about them.
• Do you have any other favorite stories from school?

• Do you have a love of your life?
• When did you first fall in love?
• Can you tell me about your first kiss?
• What was your first serious relationship?
• What lessons have you learned from your relationships?

• How did you meet your husband/wife?
• How did you know he/she was “the one”?
• How did you propose?
• What were the best times? The most difficult times?
• Did you ever get divorced? Can you tell me about it?
• What advice do you have for young couples?
• Do you have any favorite stories from your marriage or about your husband or wife?

• When did you first find out that you’d be a parent? How did you feel?
• Can you describe the moment when you saw your child for the first time?
• How has being a parent changed you?
• What are your dreams for your children?
• Do you remember when your last child left home for good?
• Do you have any favorite stories about your kids?

• What do you do for a living?
• Tell me about how you got into your line of work.
• Do you like your job?
• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What lessons has your work life taught you?
• Do you plan on retiring? If so, when? How do you feel about it?
• Do you have any favorite stories from your work life?

• Can you tell me about your religious beliefs/spiritual beliefs?
• What is your religion?
• Have you experienced any miracles?
• What was the most profound spiritual moment of your life?
• Do you believe in an afterlife? What do you think it will be like?

• What is your ethnic background?
• Where is your mom’s family from? Where is your dad’s family from?
• What traditions have been passed down in your family?
• Who were your favorite relatives? Can you tell me any stories about them?
• Do you remember any of the stories they used to tell you?
• What are the classic family stories? Jokes? Songs?

• Were you in the military?
• Did you go to war? What was it like?
• How did war change you?
• During your service, can you recall times when you were afraid?
• What are your strongest memories from your time in the military?
• What lessons did you learn from this time in your life?

• Can you tell me about your illness?
• Do you think about dying?
• Are you scared?
• How do you imagine your death?
• Do you believe in an afterlife?
• Do you regret anything?
• Do you look at your life differently now from before you were diagnosed?
• Do you have any last wishes?
• If you were to give advice to me or my children, or even children to come in our family, what would it be?
• What are the most important things you’ve learned from life?
• Has this illness changed you? What have you learned?
• How do you want to be remembered?

Additional Resources

We hope this guide inspires you to record the stories of meaningful people in your life. Below are additional resources to help you discover more about the ways you can help preserve your stories and their stories – as Our Stories.

Visit our website at www.ourstories.org.

The Our Stories Student Guide is designed to help teachers and students, conduct and record interviews. View and download it at www.ourstories.org/studentguide.html.

Visit the StoryCorps website for more resources, stories and inspiration at www.storycorps.net.

Learn more about the StoryCorps book and CD set, Listening is an Act of Love, at www.listeningisanactoflove.com.