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Family Stories: Your Essential Cheat Sheet for Successful Interviews
Conducting methodical, in-depth interviews with older relatives is indispensable for creating a precise family history. Through these conversations, genealogists uncover personal details, stories, and historical context that official documents alone cannot reveal. Careful planning, thoughtful questioning, and detailed documentation ensure these valuable insights remain accessible to future generations.This guide offers a comprehensive strategy for arranging and carrying out effective family interviews, beginning with defining clear goals and concluding with post-interview follow-ups. Includes over 75 different questions to ask your interview subject. By following these steps, you will gather verifiable facts, keep discussions on track, and navigate delicate matters with respect. Ultimately, this process enriches your research and preserves your family’sunique legacy.IntroductionGetting Started –A Checklist for InterviewingSet the Stage for SuccessBuild Trust and RapportDevelop Effective Questioning TechniquesRecord and Preserve the InterviewRespect and GratitudeSample Role-Playing