A Free Workshop: How to Record and Save Your Family's Stories
Every family has stories that live in one person's memory, and then don't. A father's first job. How your grandparents met. The year everything changed. We mean to ask, and somehow we never do.
This free workshop is about finally fixing that.
What you'll learn
Interview techniques that open people up and get past one-word answers
What actually makes a life story worth listening to, and what to leave out
The most common mistakes people make when they start, and how to avoid them
How to get a reluctant parent talking, even one who insists he "has no stories worth telling"
A simple, low-tech way to record so nothing gets lost
How the evening goes
A short talk from Ralf, who's spent years getting real stories out of people, even reluctant ones. Then you'll try it yourself with a partner and leave able to do it at your own kitchen table.
3:00PM Arrive and get settled
3:15-3:45PM Short talk: how to do this well
3:45-4:30PM You try it: practice with a partner
4:30-4:45PM Questions and wrap-up
The details
When: Thursday, June 20, 3:00 PM
Seats: limited to 30, so it stays hands-on. Everyone gets to practice and ask questions, instead of sitting through a lecture
FAQ
Do I need any experience?
None. This is for complete beginners. You'll leave knowing exactly how to start.
I'm not a writer, is that a problem?
Not at all. There's no writing involved. It's about asking good questions and recording the answers.
Do I need to bring the person I want to interview?
No. You'll practice with another attendee here, then go do it with your own family afterward.
What should I bring?
Just yourself, and an old family photo or two if you'd like. For recording, your phone is all you need.
Reserve your spot below. Bring a sibling or a friend who keeps meaning to do this too.