Why Family Interviews Matter

Every family has a history worth preserving—stories of resilience, love, and life lessons that connect generations. But too often, these stories remain untold, fading with time until they are lost forever.

Interviewing family members is one of the most powerful ways to document personal histories, ensuring that voices, emotions, and experiences are captured for future generations. A well-conducted family interview provides more than just a conversation—it creates a living record, something tangible that children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can return to.

Legacy makes this process effortless. With high-quality, cinematic interviews stored on a secure, beautifully designed platform, families can keep these priceless memories alive for generations.

If you’re looking to interview a family member and capture their story, here’s exactly how to do it—step by step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Family Member to Interview

Start by selecting who you’d like to interview. Every family member has a unique perspective, and choosing the right person depends on what kind of story you want to preserve.

Who Should You Interview?

• Elderly family members (grandparents, great-grandparents) – Their stories provide insight into the past, offering wisdom and a deep sense of heritage.

• Parents and siblings – Capture reflections on family traditions, shared childhood experiences, and personal growth.

• Aunts, uncles, and cousins – They may have stories that you’ve never heard, adding different viewpoints to your family history.

If possible, consider interviewing multiple family members over time to build a more complete family archive.

Step 2: Prepare Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions

Asking the right questions is key to capturing deep, meaningful responses. Avoid simple “yes” or “no” questions and instead focus on ones that invite storytelling.

Essential Family Interview Questions:

Early Life & Childhood

• What was your childhood like?

• What’s one of your favorite memories from growing up?

• What kind of games did you play as a kid?

Family & Relationships

• How did your parents influence you?

• What traditions did your family have when you were young?

• What is the best piece of advice you ever received from a family member?

Career & Personal Growth

• What was your first job, and how did it shape you?

• What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?

• How did you handle challenges and setbacks in life?

Legacy & Life Lessons

• What values are most important to you?

• What do you want future generations to remember about you?

• If you could give one piece of advice to your grandchildren, what would it be?

Step 3: Set Up the Interview for Comfort & Quality

A great interview isn’t just about the questions—it’s about creating the right environment.

Tips for a Comfortable Interview:

✅ Pick a familiar, quiet setting – A relaxed atmosphere helps the conversation flow naturally.

✅ Use natural lighting – Soft, natural light makes for the best video quality.

✅ Minimize background noise – Turn off TVs, fans, and other distractions to ensure clear audio.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

While a simple smartphone can work, using high-quality recording equipment ensures that the story is captured in the best possible way.

🎥 Recommended tools for recording:

• Camera or smartphone with a stable tripod

• External microphone for crisp audio

• Soft lighting to enhance video quality

Step 4: Guide the Conversation Naturally

The best interviews feel like a conversation, not an interrogation.

How to Keep the Conversation Flowing:

• Start with light, easy questions before moving to deeper topics.

• Be an active listener—nod, smile, and encourage them with follow-up questions.

• Don’t rush—pause when needed and let them think before answering.

• Embrace emotions—if a touching moment arises, allow space for reflection.

Some of the most powerful moments in interviews happen unexpectedly, so be open to where the conversation leads.

Step 5: Store and Preserve the Interview for Future Generations

A recorded interview is only as valuable as its accessibility. Many family videos get lost in computer folders, external hard drives, or scattered across different cloud accounts.

How to Preserve Family Interviews Effectively:

✅ Organize files properly – Label videos with the name, date, and topics covered.

✅ Store in a secure, easy-to-access location – Avoid relying on just one device or platform.

✅ Make the memories easily shareable – Ensure family members can access the interviews effortlessly.

This is where Legacy makes a difference. Instead of struggling with scattered files, Legacy provides:

✔️ A secure, private platform to store and organize interviews

✔️ Easy browsing and sharing for family members

✔️ High-resolution streaming so memories feel vivid and immersive

Key Takeaways: How to Interview a Family Member Like a Pro

✅ Choose the right person to interview—grandparents, parents, or extended family members

✅ Ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions to encourage storytelling

✅ Create a relaxed environment to make the interview feel natural and enjoyable

✅ Use high-quality video and audio equipment for a lasting, high-resolution keepsake

✅ Store and preserve interviews properly so they can be easily accessed and shared

✅ Use a dedicated platform like Legacy to ensure memories are beautifully preserved forever

Capture Family Stories Before They’re Lost

The stories of your family are priceless pieces of history, filled with wisdom, love, and identity. But memories fade, and the opportunity to capture them won’t last forever.

Conducting a family interview is one of the most meaningful things you can do. It creates a legacy that future generations will cherish, allowing them to see, hear, and learn from the people who shaped their lives.

Legacy makes this process effortless. With professionally crafted interviews, high-quality video production, and a seamless platform to store and share memories, families can ensure that their most important stories are preserved forever.

Start capturing your family’s history today—because memories deserve to last a lifetime.