Planning the interview
• Make a list of questions ahead of time. Think about the key biographical details you want to cover – where the person grew up, their parents’ and grandparents’ names, the major historical events they lived through – and prepare questions about your relative’s personal memories and experiences
• Print out your questions, or put them on a tablet, for ease of reference during the interview, to help keep the conversation focused
• Schedule a time to talk when your relative will be relaxed and focused, and avoid disrupting their daily routine