You sit across from an elderly aunt who has just finished a cup of tea, and the recorder is already humming. The story you hope to capture stretches back three generations, but without the right prompts the conversation can drift to the weather or stop altogether. Open‑ended questions keep the focus on personal recollections, encouraging detail that a simple yes‑or‑no query would miss. They also give the interviewee space to choose what feels most relevant, which is essential when the goal is a rich family history rather than a checklist of facts.
Purpose of open‑ended questions
Open‑ended questions address the tendency of interviewees to give brief, factual answers that lack context. In a family history interview, the value lies in the anecdotes, emotions, and connections that turn a name and date into a lived experience. By asking questions that begin with “how,” “what,” or “tell me about,” you invite the speaker to elaborate, compare, and reflect. This approach uncovers stories that might otherwise remain hidden, such as the reason behind a family tradition or the impact of a migration on daily life. The technique also signals respect for the interviewee’s memory, encouraging a collaborative atmosphere rather than a rapid‑fire fact‑gathering session.
Preparing the interview
Before the interview, think through three practical items: the topics you want to cover, the environment you will use, and the consent documentation. Write a short list of themes—childhood, work, marriage, migration—so you can steer the conversation without a rigid script. Choose a quiet room with minimal background noise and test any recording equipment in advance. Finally, have a consent form or verbal agreement ready, noting that the interview may be used for future family projects. A quick checklist helps you start confidently and reduces the chance of interruptions later on.
Checklist:
1. Define 3‑5 theme areas.
2. Test recorder and battery.
3. Arrange seating for comfort.
4. Prepare consent language.
5. Bring a notebook for immediate observations.
Running the interview
During the conversation, follow a simple three‑step rhythm: invite, listen, and probe. Begin with a gentle invitation such as “Tell me about…” to set the tone. Listen actively, allowing pauses; silence often signals the interviewee is searching for words. When a detail appears interesting, probe with a follow‑up like “What happened next?” or “How did that feel?” Keep the focus on the interviewee’s perspective, avoiding yes‑or‑no follow‑ups. If the speaker drifts, gently steer back by referencing a previous point: “Earlier you mentioned the farm—can you describe a typical day there?” This structure maintains momentum while respecting the natural flow of memory.
Copyable prompt
Use this exact phrase when you want the interviewee to expand on a memory: “I’d love to hear the story behind [specific event or object]. Can you tell me what happened, who was involved, and why it matters to you?” Replace the bracketed portion with the relevant cue, such as “the old cedar tree in the backyard” or “the year you moved to the city.” This sentence combines invitation, context, and a request for personal significance, giving the interviewee a clear roadmap for a detailed response.
When the conversation stalls
If the interviewee hesitates or gives a brief answer, first pause and give them a moment to think. A short silence often encourages deeper recall. Should the pause become prolonged, ask a gentle clarifying question like “Is there anything else that comes to mind about that?” to distinguish between unwillingness and a need for more time. Unwillingness usually appears as a quick dismissal or a change of subject, whereas a need for time is marked by thoughtful pauses and occasional eye contact. In the latter case, offer a break, a glass of water, or a change of seating before returning to the topic.
Adapting for frail interviewees and note‑taking
For older or frail participants, shorten each question and avoid complex phrasing. Offer a supportive posture—chair at the same level, good lighting, and easy access to a glass of water. If hearing is an issue, speak clearly and consider a written prompt. After the session, immediately record three items: a summary of the main story, any names or dates that were unclear, and a personal observation about the interviewee’s mood or energy level. These quick notes prevent loss of nuance and guide any follow‑up research or clarification needed later.
Worth remembering: Open‑ended questions work best when they are prepared, gently invited, and followed by attentive listening; a simple, repeatable prompt and a brief post‑interview note‑taking routine keep the conversation productive and the information reliable.
Common questions
How many questions should I ask in one sitting?
Aim for 5 to 8 open‑ended questions per hour, allowing ample time for each answer to develop. The focus should be on depth rather than quantity, so adjust the number based on the interviewee’s stamina and interest.
What should I do if the person does not want to answer?
Respect the refusal and move to a different topic. A brief acknowledgment such as “I understand, we can talk about something else” signals that you honor their boundaries, which helps maintain trust for future conversations.
Should I record the answers?
Yes, recording provides an accurate record, but obtain explicit consent first. If recording is not possible, take detailed handwritten notes during the interview and transcribe them as soon as possible while the memory is fresh.