When is the right time to do a Video Family History interview?
There is really no best time to do your Video Family History interview. Whenever your subject is willing to be interviewed and you can get set up is the right time. It is, however, a good idea to make plans in advance that are convenient for both the subject and yourself. Keep in mind that family events and holiday gatherings provide great opportunities to record Video Family History interviews.

Where should I conduct the interview?
One of the most important considerations in conducting your Video Family History interview is a place that makes subjects as comfortable as possible. Try to seat them in a cozy chair or couch in a room with a relaxed setting, such as a living room or den. Avoid rooms with a cramped feeling like offices, kitchens, or closed-in bedrooms. Pick a room that is not too noisy or distracting and tidy up unnecessary items or clutter before you begin the interview.


need to prepare in advance?
Preparation before an interview is always important, especially if you wish to make the most of your interview time. By reviewing the Family History Question Guide along with the subject in advance, interviewers can become familiar with appropriate questions as well as have a chance to develop a rapport with the individual being interviewed. This review also enables subjects to anticipate upcoming questions, helps to “jog” their thoughts and memories, and generally improves their responses throughout the interview.

How should I approach elderly individuals about a video interview?
For some elderly individuals, the idea of doing a family history interview about oneÕs life conjures up images of preparing a last will and testament. For this reason, great grandparents or elderly family members may, at first, hesitate to be video taped. Assure them that you are genuinely interested in learning about their lives and encourage them to preserve their stories on video. Even if they don’t have the patience or stamina for an entire interview session, their Video Family History will become a family heirloom.

Should subjects bring anything to the interview?
Old family photographs provide an excellent focal point for conversation about family history. They are also very useful for giving youngsters, as well as future generations, a glimpse of individuals being spoken about. Photos can be held up to the camera briefly while subjects point out individuals and explain their relationships. Your interview might also be enhanced by any personal items or momentos that subjects can talk about to help them share their story.

Is there any special advice for the interviewer?
Try to assume a relaxed posture throughout the interview. Sitting naturally should help to encourage your subject to do the same. Maintain eye contact with the subject, but without seeming like you are staring. Present questions in a warm and expressive manner and try to avoid speaking in a monotone sounding voice that might discourage subjects from getting enthusiastic about their own responses.

Where should the interviewer sit?
A good position for the interviewer to sit is a little in front of the tripod with his or her back to the camera. Take care not to block the subject from the TV picture. The subject can then face both the interviewer and the camera when responding to questions. This position also allows you the option of including the interviewer on camera. (See “over the shoulder shot” on page 15.)

What if a subject’s response needs clarification?
Sometimes one question is not enough to elicit all the information needed to cover a topic, or, your subject’s first response does not provide you with enough details. This is especially true when an individual responds with just a word or short phrase. Since this kind of response doesn’t make for very interesting or informative conversation, as an interviewer, you need to be prepared to encourage that individual to tell you a little more.

Here are some questions you might ask to help them out:

What do you mean by that?
Could you tell me more about it?
Why was it that way?
Would you please elaborate?
What was that like?
How did that make you feel?
Can you give me more details?

Listen carefully to what is being said so that you can ask appropriate follow-up questions. After asking a question, wait a moment to give the subject plenty of time to formulate his or her response. Be certain that you do not pose your questions in a confrontational or demeaning manner. Also, refrain from expressing your own personal feelings or opinions in a way your subjects might interpret as contradicting them. Try not to interrupt unless the subject gets way off track.

What if the subject gets emotional or upset during taping?
Try to be sensitive to what is being said by your subjects during the interview. It’s conceivable they might reveal extremely personal or disturbing thoughts which may not have been expressed for quite some time. If a particular story or memory causes the subject to become choked up or to cry, pause your recording for a few moments to allow them to regain their composure before moving on to the next question.

How long should the interview last?
There is no set time frame for conducting your Video Family History interview. The endurance and willingness of your subject will most likely determine the length of the session. Plan, though, for a session to last about an hour to an hour and a half at most. Of course, if you are “on a roll,” your session can last longer. Just have a second video tape ready, since one or two hours is the maximum length of most standard tapes at the highest-quality setting. If your subject is available, you might plan to do interviews in smaller sessions over a longer period of time and cover selected categories of questions in greater depth, rather than trying to rush through them all in one shot.