80: How to Befriend Celebrities Without Being Awkward | Feedback Friday

Interview Tips

Interviewing family members can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering a chance to preserve cherished memories. Jordan Harbinger suggests starting with open-ended questions like "What is your earliest memory from childhood?" to encourage storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of letting the conversation flow naturally, rather than sticking rigidly to a list of questions 1. Jason DeFillippo shares his own experience interviewing his father, highlighting the value of allowing stories to unfold organically:

You want this to be a free-flowing interview so they can just tell the stories that are going to randomly pop in their head.

--- Jason DeFillippo

This approach not only captures authentic narratives but also makes the interviewee feel more comfortable and engaged 2.

   

Recording Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for capturing high-quality interviews with family members. Jordan Harbinger recommends using a couple of cameras or even a GoPro for video, paired with separate audio sources like lavalier mics or a Zoom recorder 1. Jason DeFillippo adds that modern smartphones with 4K video capabilities can also be effective, especially when paired with a tripod for stability. He notes that some people may feel self-conscious on camera, so opting for audio-only recordings can help them relax:

My Dad didn't like video because then he got really self-conscious, so we just did audio and that way he relaxed into it and forgot the microphone existed.

--- Jason DeFillippo

Ultimately, the goal is to make the interviewee feel at ease, ensuring the stories captured are both genuine and heartfelt 2.