How to Begin Interviewing Your Grandparents
Sometimes the hardest part of preserving a family story is simply knowing how to begin. The word interview can sound formal, but a meaningful family conversation doesn't have to be.
Start with an invitation, not a questionnaire
Try saying, “I'd love to hear more about what life was like when you were growing up.” You might look through photographs together or ask about a favourite childhood memory. Let the conversation take its own course.
Ask questions that invite a story
Instead of asking only where someone lived, ask what the house looked like or who gathered around the kitchen table. Follow the details that spark a memory. A single question can lead to an entire afternoon of stories.
Make room for choice
Ask permission before recording. Let your relative know how you hope to use the conversation, and respect topics they'd rather not discuss. A good interview is an opportunity for connection, not an obligation to share everything.
Keep the details safe
Afterwards, label any recording with a name and date, back it up, and note the people, places, or photographs mentioned. Those little details will be invaluable when you begin writing.
Need a gentle place to start? Download Five Conversation Starters.