National Day of Listening November 28

Here is a blog post about how to record memories of an older relative AND have fun in the process. I am glad I have Dad on videotape talking about the Tulsa Massacre.

We Support the "National Day of Listening" This Friday By Donna Kozik

This Thanksgiving, Story Corps asks you to start a new holiday tradition—set aside one hour on Friday, November 28, to record a conversation with someone important to you. You can interview anyone you choose: an older relative, a friend, a teacher, or a familiar face from the neighborhood.Here are some fast tips about how to conduct an interview with an older relative…

1. Do a little prep work. Even though you might think you know the stories by heart yourself, jot down some notes of which ones you’d like to record and a few questions that you want to make sure you remember to ask.

2. Get the basics at the beginning. Introduce your story by saying something like, “Today I’m talking with my grandfather, Joseph O, who is telling me about the time he, Uncle Eddie and Uncle Harry rode the motorbike they built from scratch onto the neighbor’s roof.”

3. Put everyone at ease. If your person seems put off by the tape recorder, have them hold it, which will put them more at ease. (It also may help them channel their inner performer and improve the sound quality.)

4. Put a button on it. When the story comes to its natural end, do a little wrap up, similar to your intro. Also remember to thank your storyteller.

5. Share the recording! The real joy comes from sharing the recording with others in your family. Don’t worry about doing any fancy editing before you send it out—the treasure is in the content and the voice of the loved one telling the story.

Most of all, make it fun. Most older people will be flattered and get a kick that one of the “young’ens” wants to conduct an interview and will enjoy their time in the spotlight. Let ‘em shine! And, of course, I encourage you to have the recording transcribed and be the start of a book you can publish on your family’s history—it will make a great gift the following year, or sooner!