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Best documentary interview questions

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Documentary interviews are a crucial element of creating a successful documentary film. They provide valuable insights, personal stories, and expert opinions that bring depth and authenticity to the final product. However, conducting a compelling interview requires careful preparation and thoughtful questioning. In this article, we will explore some essential documentary interview questions that will help you capture powerful and engaging interviews.

When preparing for a documentary interview, it is important to research the subject matter thoroughly. This will allow you to ask informed and relevant questions that will elicit meaningful responses. Additionally, it is crucial to create a comfortable and safe environment for the interviewee, ensuring they feel at ease to open up and share their experiences. By following these guidelines and utilizing the following documentary interview questions, you will be well-equipped to create a powerful and impactful documentary film.

Whether you are focusing on a specific event, a social issue, or an individual’s life story, the following documentary interview questions will help you uncover compelling narratives and capture the essence of your subject:

See these documentary interview questions

What inspired you to participate in this documentary?
Can you share a personal experience related to the subject matter?
How has this event/issue impacted your life?
What do you hope viewers will take away from this documentary?
Are there any misconceptions about this topic that you would like to address?
Can you describe a significant turning point in your life related to this subject?
What kind of emotional journey should viewers expect from this documentary?
What challenges did you face while dealing with this issue?
Can you talk about any personal growth or transformation you experienced during this journey?
How does this event/issue affect the larger community?
Do you have any regrets or things you wish you had done differently?
What message do you want to convey through this documentary?
How do you envision this documentary making an impact or driving change?
Can you share a powerful or memorable moment that occurred during the filming?
What kind of research or preparation did you undertake for this documentary?
Can you provide any anecdotes or stories that might shed light on the subject matter?
How has your perspective on this issue evolved throughout the filmmaking process?
What kind of audience do you hope to reach with this documentary?
Can you describe any challenges faced during the production of this documentary?
What kind of support or resistance did you encounter while working on this project?
How did you ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information presented?
Can you talk about the role of music or visuals in conveying the mood of the documentary?
How did you approach the editing process to create a cohesive narrative?
Are there any ethical considerations that emerged during the making of this documentary?
Can you discuss the role of interviews in shaping the overall story of the documentary?
What kind of impact do you hope this documentary will have on the viewers?
Have you encountered any resistance or pushback from individuals or organizations?
Can you describe the collaborative nature of creating a documentary film?
How did you decide on the visual style and aesthetic for this documentary?
What kind of emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke from the audience?
Can you talk about any sacrifices or challenges faced by the people involved in this documentary?
How did you approach the storytelling process to engage and captivate the viewers?
What kind of impact do you hope this documentary will have on public discourse?
Can you discuss any ethical dilemmas encountered while working on this documentary?
How did you ensure the authenticity and credibility of the voices represented in this film?
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or moments that occurred during the filming?
What role does this documentary play in shedding light on an underrepresented issue?
How did you approach the distribution and promotion of this documentary?
What kind of reactions or responses have you received from audiences so far?
Can you discuss the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and driving change?
How did you balance the need for entertainment with the responsibility of accurately representing the subject matter?
What kind of future projects or initiatives do you hope to pursue after this documentary?

By utilizing these documentary interview questions, you will be able to conduct meaningful and captivating interviews that will enhance the overall quality and impact of your documentary film. Remember, preparation and research are key to uncovering powerful narratives and creating a compelling documentary that resonates with audiences.

120 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Someone About Their Life

When embarking on the journey of interviewing someone about their life, we delve into the rich tapestry of their experiences, beliefs, and lessons learned. This collection of questions serves as a key to unlocking the treasure trove of stories that every individual carries.

These queries are designed to navigate through the chapters of one’s existence, from the innocence of early childhood to the wisdom that comes with reflecting on the future. Engage with these prompts to discover the essence of a person’s life story and craft a narrative that is both profound and enlightening.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

Can you share where and when you were born?
What memories do you have of your childhood home?
How would you describe your family dynamic as a child?
Do you have any siblings, and what were your relationships like with them?
What were your parents’ professions, and how did they influence you?
Are there any particular family traditions that influenced your upbringing?
What is your earliest memory?
Did you have any pets growing up?
What activities or hobbies did you enjoy as a child?
How did your family celebrate holidays or special occasions?
Who were your role models within your family, and why?
Was there something unique about your family’s cultural background?
What was your favorite thing to do with your family?
Did you face any hardships during your early years?
How do you think your upbringing has shaped the person you are today?

Education and Career Development

What was your favorite subject in school and why?
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities or sports?
Who was your favorite teacher, and what impact did they have on your life?
What level of education have you achieved, and how did you decide on that path?
How did you get into your current profession or line of work?
What jobs have you held, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Have you had any mentors in your professional life?
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career?
Did you have a career plan, and how did you follow or deviate from it?
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
What’s the most challenging aspect of your career?
Have you worked abroad, and if so, what was that experience like?
In your view, what constitutes success in a career?
Have you ever had to make a significant career change?
What advice would you give to someone starting in your field?

Personal Philosophies and Values

What personal values are most important to you?
Have your values changed over the years, and why?
What life philosophy do you live by?
How do you define happiness?
What do you believe is the purpose of life?
How important is spirituality or religion in your life?
How do you approach making difficult decisions?
What have you learned about yourself through your relationships with others?
In terms of legacy, what do you want to be remembered for?
How do you deal with regret or mistakes?
What does success mean to you outside of your career?
How do you handle stress or anxiety?
What practices do you follow to maintain mental and emotional well-being?
What role do politics or social issues play in your life?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Major Life Events and Turning Points

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your life?
How did a significant loss affect your life perspective?
What life event has brought you the most joy?
Has there been an unexpected turn in your life that you now see as a blessing?
Were there any historical events that significantly impacted your life?
Can you talk about a major accomplishment and how you achieved it?
How did becoming a parent (if applicable) change your life?
Was there a point when you had to make a tough choice that altered your life’s direction?
How has your life been different from what you imagined as a young person?
Can you share a time when you took a big risk?
What has been your most significant career milestone?
Have you ever moved to a new place and started over? What was that like?
Can you tell me about a time when you overcame a major obstacle?
Have you ever pursued a dream or goal against all odds?
What is one event you wish you could relive, and why?

Relationships and Community Connections

Who has been the most influential person in your life outside of your family?
Can you describe a friendship that has greatly impacted you?
How do you contribute to or participate in your community?
What role have your friends played throughout your life?
Have you been involved in volunteer work or activism?
How has your perspective on relationships changed over time?
What is the key to maintaining long-lasting relationships, in your opinion?
Can you talk about a time when a community came together to support you or others?
Have you ever felt isolated or disconnected? How did you overcome that?
How do you nurture new relationships?
What do you treasure most about your community?
How do you resolve conflicts within your personal relationships?
Is there someone you’ve lost contact with whom you’d like to reconnect?
How do you decide who to trust?
Can you share a story about a personal connection that taught you a valuable lesson?

Challenges and Overcoming Adversities

What was the most challenging period in your life?
How have difficult times shaped who you are today?
Can you tell me about a time when you failed at something important to you?
What was the biggest risk you’ve taken that didn’t pay off?
How do you cope with setbacks or disappointments?
Can you share a personal challenge that you’re proud to have overcome?
Who or what gave you strength during tough times?
Has there been a challenge that you’ve faced repeatedly, and how have you approached it?
How do you manage to keep a positive outlook during times of crisis?
What strategies do you use to regain motivation after a setback?
Have health issues ever been a major challenge for you?
What was a crucial turning point in overcoming a particular adversity?
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn in life?
How have difficult experiences contributed to your growth?
In what ways have your struggles brought about positive changes in your life?

Creativity and Passions

What hobbies or activities do you feel most passionate about?
How do you cultivate your creative side?
Can you share an example of a project you worked on that was driven by passion?
Was there ever a time when you had to fight for your creative ideas?
How do you find inspiration for your creative endeavors?
What does creativity mean to you, and why is it important in your life?
Are there any creative pursuits you wish you had the time or resources to explore?
How do you overcome creative blocks?
What’s a passion project you’ve always wanted to start?
How do you integrate your passions into your daily life?
Can you describe a time when you shared your passion with others?
What creative achievement are you most proud of?
Has your creativity ever been misunderstood or undervalued?
How have your passions changed or evolved over the years?
What advice would you give to someone trying to pursue their creative interests?

Reflections and Look to the Future

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
What are you most looking forward to in the future?
Are there any dreams or goals you still wish to accomplish?
What are your hopes for your family and loved ones?
How do you want the next generations to remember this time period?
What changes do you hope to see in the world within your lifetime?
How do you plan to spend your retirement or later years?
Is there anything you want to change about your current lifestyle?
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
How do you stay informed and plan for the future in a rapidly changing world?
Do you have a bucket list, and if so, what’s on it?
What role do you think technology will play in shaping the future?
How do you keep a forward-thinking mindset?
What innovation or advancement are you most excited to see develop?
How do you envision your community or society evolving?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i make the interviewee feel comfortable when discussing their life.

Establish a rapport with the interviewee before diving into deeper questions.
Be empathetic and respectful, giving them control over how much they wish to share.
Ensure a private and quiet setting for the conversation where the interviewee feels at ease.

What should I avoid when asking questions about someone’s life?

Steer clear of intrusive or sensitive topics unless the interviewee has expressed a willingness to address them.
Avoid yes or no questions that might limit the depth of the conversation.
Do not push for details if the interviewee is reluctant to share certain aspects of their life.

How do I know if a question is appropriate or not?

Consider the comfort and cultural background of the individual.
If in doubt, ask the interviewee if they are comfortable answering a particular type of question.
Observe body language and cues to gauge if the interviewee might feel uneasy.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing someone about their life is akin to painting a portrait with words. The questions I have curated for you will help to reveal the subject’s deeper layers, highlight pivotal moments, and honor the unique journey of the individual.

Through this discerning exploration, you’ll not only have a series of responses but a narrative that resonates with the authentic human experience. The stories uncovered may surprise, inspire, or even challenge us, but they will certainly enrich our understanding of the diverse tapestry of human life.

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How to do oral history.

Oral history is a technique for generating and preserving original, historically interesting information – primary source material – from personal recollections through planned recorded interviews. Below are suggestions for anyone looking to start recording oral histories based on best practices used in the Smithsonian Oral History Program at the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Click here for a printout of our How to Do Oral History Guide .

What is oral history.

The Six R’s of Oral History Interviewing

Preparing for Oral History Interviews

How to ask questions in oral history interviews, suggestions for recording oral history interviews.

Suggested Topics/Questions for Oral History Interviews

After the Oral History Interview

Readings and online resources.

Oral history is a technique for generating and preserving original, historically interesting information – primary source material – from personal recollections through planned recorded interviews. This method of interviewing is used to preserve the voices, memories and perspectives of people in history. It’s a tool we can all use to engage with and learn from family members, friends, and the people we share space with in an interview that captures their unique history and perspective in their own words. Oral history stems from the tradition of passing information of importance to the family or tribe from one generation to the next. In the United States, the Oral History Association connects oral historians and provides a broad range of information on oral history.

Technique : The methodology of oral history can be adapted to many different types of projects from family history to academic research projects in many different disciplines. The interviews should usually be conducted in a one-on-one situation, although group interviews can also be effective.

Sharing: In collaboration with a well-prepared and empathetic interviewer, the narrator may be able to share information that they do not realize they recall and to make associations and draw conclusions about their experience that they would not be able to produce without the interviewer.

Preserving : Recording preserves the interview, in sound or video and later in transcript for use by others removed in time and/or distance from the interviewee. Oral history also preserves the ENTIRE interview, in its original form, rather than the interviewer’s interpretation of what was said.

Original historically important information : The well-prepared interviewer will know what information is already in documents and will use the oral history interview to seek new information, clarification, or new interpretation of a historical event.

Personal recollections : The interviewer should ask the narrator for first-person information. These are memories that the narrator can provide on a reliable basis, e.g., events in which they participated or witnessed or decisions in which they took part. Oral history interviews can convey personality, explain motivation, and reveal inner thoughts and perceptions.

Martha Ross: The Six R's of Oral History Interviewing

The oral history interviewer should strive to create a situation in which the interviewee is able to reflect widely, to recall fully, and to associate freely on the subject of the interview, and to maintain an atmosphere in which they are willing to articulate fully those recollections.

The following six considerations are basic to good oral history practice.

1. RESEARCH: Thorough preparation enables the interviewer to know what questions to ask and is essential to establishing rapport with the interviewee. Research pays off during the interview, when the interviewer’s knowledge of names, dates, and places may jog the interviewee’s memory.

2. RAPPORT: Good rapport is established with the interviewee by approaching them properly, informing them of the purpose of the project, and advising them of their role and their rights. A pre-interview call or visit to get acquainted and discuss procedures is recommended.

3. RESTRAINT: The experienced interviewer maintains rapport by following good interview techniques: being efficient but unobtrusive with equipment, starting at the beginning and proceeding chronologically, asking open-ended questions, listening closely without interrupting, following up on details or unexpected avenues of information, challenging questionable information in a non-threatening way, and generally maintaining an atmosphere in which the interviewee feels able to respond fully and truthfully.

4. RETREAT: Close each interview session by asking a “deflationary” question, such as an assessment of the experiences just discussed. All sessions should be planned and scheduled so that they conclude before the interviewee becomes fatigued.

5. REVIEW: Interviewers should listen to their interviews soon afterwards to analyze their interviewing techniques and to pick up details to follow up on in subsequent sessions.

6. RESPECT: Respect underlies every aspect of oral history – respect for the interviewee as an individual, their experience, for the way they remember that experience, and for the way they are able and willing to articulate those recollections. Maintaining respect toward the individual interviewee and toward the practice of oral history interviewing is essential to success as an interviewer.

NOTE: Martha Ross is the “mother” of oral history in the mid-Atlantic region and taught at the University of Maryland in the 1970s and 1980s.

1. Select an interviewee.

2. Ask the interviewee if they are interested.

3. If interviewee is interested, set up a time and place for the interview. Also request any background information the interviewee might want to provide. Check about the best place – somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed. Request at least two hours for the interview session.

4. Write a follow-up email confirming plans for the interview that discusses the goals, legal rights, and how the interviews will be handled. Provide a very general list of topic areas and ask them to think about topics they would like to cover.

5. Conduct basic biographical research on your interviewee. Conduct internet searches. Read publications and profiles. Ask others about topics you should cover, stories they should tell.

6. Develop a chronology of the important events in their life. Develop lists of personal names and terms important in their life, such as geographic names where they traveled, names of important family or community members. Compile a folder of photographs of the interviewee and their world. These will prove invaluable in the interview when the interviewee gets confused or forgets names.

7. Rework the question outline, making it relevant to this interviewee, deleting topics that don’t pertain to them, and adding areas, such as organizations they were involved in, etc.

8. With the equipment, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE until you can use it in your sleep. Practice interviewing family members and friends. Then delete all the files you’ve created, so the recorder is at full capacity. Make sure all the settings match the instruction sheet. Make sure that you have all the necessary pieces of equipment, such as the recorder power cord and an extension cord.

9. The day before the interview, confirm time and place.

10. Bring with you: equipment, extension cord, cell phone (in case of equipment problems), question outline, chronology, terms, photos, etc., legal forms, extra paper for notes and a pen. Also bring throat lozenges or hard candy, in case throats get dry. If possible, bring a camera and take photograph of the interviewee at the interview.

11. When you arrive, assess room for sound. Turn off equipment, close doors, and rearrange furniture into a comfortable arrangement facing each other close enough to hand photos but not too close. Set up equipment so you can monitor it constantly and discretely, without turning away from the interviewee.

12. Go over the list of topic areas again and permissions again.

13. Ask about any scrapbooks, news clippings, awards, etc., that they might want to bring out.

1. Find a quiet place to conduct the interview where you won't be bothered by telephones, family members, pets, traffic noise, etc. Get two glasses of water. Take a photograph. Turn off cell phones, etc.

2. Explain to your interviewee what you are doing.

Explain their legal rights. Explain how interview is likely to be used. Explain that they can choose what questions to answer and that the recorder can be turned off at any time.

3. Ask your interviewee to sign the deed of gift and cosign it yourself if you have one.

4. Use an outline of topics you wish to cover, with follow-up questions, that you have prepared in advance. Also bring photographs and a personal name and term list, and chronology.

5. Start with easy questions, such as their name, where and when born, names of family members.

6. Allow the interviewee to do the talking.

7. Ask "open-ended" questions, such as, tell me about, describe, etc., what do you remember about?

If the interviewee responds with just a yes or no, ask how, why, when, where, who. What the interviewee chooses to tell you and how they choose to tell it is just as informative/revealing as the actual answers they give.

8. Avoid “closed-ended” questions that can end in a yes or not, or single fact.

Examples, were you there? What was date of that? Did you like that? If you get a short answer, follow up with tell me more, who, what, when, where, how and why.

9. Do not ask leading questions – was it this or that? Or I thought that the most important thing was…..These have been demonstrated to affect interviewee’s answer and will taint your interview.

10. Ask one question at a time and try to ask simple questions.

11. Try to ask follow-up questions – tell me more, who, what, where.

12. To stimulate their memory, use “statement questions” such as, “In 1956, you traveled to Tibet to conduct research. How did that trip come about?”

13. Focus on recording their personal experiences, rather than stories about others or that they have heard. If you’re getting general stories, say tell me about your role, describe how you felt that day or dealt with that crisis, etc.

14. Don't worry about silences. Let the interviewee think and take time before they answer. Look at your outline and check off topics if the interviewee needs time to think.

15. Note what types of questions your interviewee responds best to and try to adapt your style to what works best with them.

16. Let the interviewee suggest topics to you that you might not have thought of.

17. Allow the interviewee to drift off to topics not on your outline. These can be the best part of your interview.

18. After an hour or less, ask interviewee if they would like to take a break. Write down the last words as you turn the recorder off.

19. Provide the interviewee with feedback by nodding, smiling, listening attentively. Try to avoid too many verbal responses that will record over the interviewee, such as “Really!’ or “Uh-huh, uh-huh.”

20. Don’t be afraid to politely question information that might be incorrect – ask for a clarification, or say something to the effect, “Oh, I’m confused, I thought that Mrs. X was involved in that.”

21. Reword questions that the interviewee does not answer – they may not have heard what you thought you asked. But they have the right to not answer if they don’t want to.

22. Do allow the interviewee to tell “THE STORY.” Most interviews have a favorite story. They will fit it in somehow, so let it happen! Allow some repetition since additional details may emerge with a second version, but don’t allow your interviewee to keep telling the same story over and over.

23. Bring visuals, if possible, to stimulate memory or ask to bring out photo albums of trips or family events, etc. Invite the interviewee to bring visuals to the interview.

24. Let the interviewee do the talking. Try to avoid telling your own stories, “Yes! When I was there….” or offering your own opinions. If asked for an opinion, explain that the interview is designed to record their point of view, not yours.

25. An interview usually does not last much longer than 1 1/2 to 2 hours. After that both interviewer and interviewee get tired and lose their concentration.

26. End interview gracefully, asking them to assess their lives and the topics you have discussed.

27. Ask your interviewee to spell any names or places you did not understand.

28. Clean up. Make sure you have all pieces of equipment.

29. As you depart, keep options open to return for an additional interview.

1. There are many recorder options that will record an uncompressed preservation quality audio file. If you do not have access to a recorder, most smartphones have recording software that will record an MP3 audio file.

2. If possible, record an uncompressed WAV audio file at 24 bit.

3. Use external microphones if possible.

4. Check room for extraneous noise such as motors, fans, pets, traffic, etc.

5. Test the recorder to check the volume of the interviewer and interviewee and to see if it is picking up any static or surrounding noise.

6. Begin with an introduction that identifies who is being interviewed, who is conducting the interview, where, when, and the purpose of the interview.

7. Ask if you have permission to record the interview.

8. Avoid speaking while your interviewee is sharing. Instead, try to use physical cues that you’re listening like nodding and taking notes instead of affirming “mhmms.”

9. Upload the files from the recorder to your computer, external hard drive and/or the cloud to ensure you don’t lose the file.

10. Name the file in a way you can identify it later. Ex: LastnameFirstname_Date_Interview#_File#

11. Make copies of your digital file. Save a copy to an external hard drive and/or the cloud.

Biographical Questions

What is your name?
Where and when were you born?
Where did you grow up?
Where have you lived?
What jobs have you had?
What do you do for a living now?

Family Folklore

Q : What do you know about your family name? Are there stories about its history or origins? Has it undergone any changes? Are there any stories about those changes? Are there any traditional first names or nicknames in your family? What are they? How did they come about? Are there any naming traditions? What are they?

Q : Do you know any stories about how your family first came to the United States? Where did they first settle? Why? How did they make a living? Did your family stay in one place or move around? How did they come to live in this area?

Q : If your tradition-bearer is a first-generation immigrant, you might ask him or her: Why did you leave to come to the United States? What possessions did you bring with you and why? What was the journey like? Which family members came along or stayed behind? What were some of your first impressions and early experiences in this country? What traditions or customs have you made an effort to preserve? Why? Are there traditions that you have given up or changed? Why?

Q : What languages do you speak? Do you speak a different language in different settings, such as home, school, or work? Are there any expressions, jokes, stories, celebrations where a certain language is always used? Can you give some examples?

Q : What stories have come down to you about your parents and grandparents? More distant ancestors? (If you are interviewing your grandparents, ask them to tell you stories about what your parents were like when they were young!)

Q : Do you know any courtship stories? How did your parents, grandparents, and other relatives come to meet and marry?

Q : What are some of your childhood memories? What games did you play when you were a child? Did you sing verses when you played games? What were they? What kinds of toys did you play with? Who made them? Did you make any yourself? How did you make them? What kinds of materials did you use? What kind of home entertainment was there? Was there storytelling? Music? Were there craft traditions? Describe these traditions.

Q : Does your family have any special sayings or expressions? What are they? How did they come about?

Q : How are holidays traditionally celebrated in your family? What holidays are the most important? Are there special family traditions, customs, songs, foods? Has your family created its own traditions and celebrations? What are they? How did they come about?

Q : What special foodways traditions does your family have? Have any recipes been preserved and passed down in your family from generation to generation? What are they? What are their origins? Have they changed over the years? How? Have any of the ingredients been adapted or changed? Why? Are there certain foods that are traditionally prepared for holidays and celebrations? Who makes them? Are there family stories connected to the preparation of special foods?

Q : Does your family hold reunions? When? Where? Who attends? How long have the reunions been going on? What activities take place? Are awards given out? Is there a central figure who is honored? Why? What sorts of stories are told at these events?

Q : What family heirlooms or keepsakes and mementos do you possess? Why are they valuable to you? What is their history? How were they handed down? Are there any memories or stories connected with them?

Q : Do you have any photo albums, scrapbooks, home movies? Who made them? When? Can you describe/explain their contents? Who is pictured? What activities and events are documented?

Local History and Community Life

Q : Describe the place — urban neighborhood, small town, rural community, suburb — where you grew up. What was it like? How has it changed over the years? What brought about these changes? What did people do for a living? What do they do now?

Q : Can you draw a map of your local community? Of your neighborhood? Your family home? Your farmstead? What places stand out most in your mind and why? What are/were your neighbors like? What kinds of local gatherings and events are there? What stories and memories come to mind?

Q : What community traditions are celebrated today? Church suppers? Chinese New Year parades? Saint’s day processions? Cinco de Mayo celebrations? What are they like? How long have they been going on? How have they changed? Who is involved? Why are they important to the community?

Q : How have historical events affected your family and community? For example, what were some of your experiences during World War II, the Civil Rights Movement? Cultural Traditions/Occupational Skills

Q : How did you first get started with this particular tradition/skill? What got you interested?

Q : How did you learn your skills? Who taught you? When? What was the learning process like? What is the most challenging or difficult aspect of the tradition to learn? Why?

Q : What are the key characteristics of the tradition? What is its history? Do you know how and where the tradition originated? How has it traditionally been practiced? How has it changed or developed over time?

Q : Does the tradition have different styles or variations? What are they?

Q: Describe the steps of the process from start to finish. What’s involved?

Q : What special knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed? What techniques and methods?

Q : What raw materials are used? Where do you get your materials/supplies/ingredients? How are they prepared? Have they changed over time? How? Why?

Q : What tools are involved? How and when are they used?

Q : How do you judge excellence within the tradition? What standards and criteria are used to evaluate the way the tradition is performed? What makes someone respected in the tradition?

Q : In what context is the skill/tradition performed? For whom? When?

Q : What do you value most about what you do? Why?

Q : What do you think is the future of this tradition? What are its challenges and opportunities? Are others learning and practicing the tradition?

< previous | next >

Introduction
The Interview
Presenting Your Findings
A Glossary of Key Terms
Selected Bibliography
Internet Resources
Sample Forms
Credits and Acknowledgements

biography documentary interview questions

Family photos can evoke memories and trigger stories. Photo courtesy of Marjorie Hunt.

Afrolatinidad: Art & Identity in D.C. is an interview series highlighting the vitality of the local Afro-Latinx community. Before the term Afro-Latinx entered popular discourse, Latin Americans of the Diaspora have been sharing their stories through artistic manifestations online and in community spaces throughout the district. Their perspectives are intersectional in nature of existing in between spaces of Blackness and Latinidad.

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Legacy Video Production

25 Legacy Video Questions

Have you ever wanted to know what your mother was like as a child? Where your grandfather was from? Or how your parents met? Below are 25 Legacy Video Questions to ask your parents or grandparents to learn more about their life stories and your family history.

As a Legacy Video producer , I ask over 100 questions in an interview so be sure to add your own to the list. And don’t forget to ask follow-up questions!

(Now 50 Questions!)

What is your full name?
When were you born?
Where were you born?
Were you named after anyone?
What is/was your mother’s name?
What is/was your mother’s maiden name?
Where was she from?
Describe your mother.
What were your mother’s parents’ names?
Where were they were from?
What did they do for a living?
Do you know any more about your mother’s family history?
What did your mother do during the day?
What was/is your father’s name?
Where was he from?
What did your father do for a living?
Describe your father.
What were your father’s parents’ names?
Do you know any more about your father’s family history?
How did your parents meet?
Do you have any siblings?
Where did you grow up?
Describe the neighborhood/s.
Describe your childhood home/s.
What schools did you attend?
What were your favorite subjects?
Did you have any chores?
How did you spend your free time?
Did you have any summer or after school jobs?
How would you describe yourself as a child?
What role did religion play in your life?
What values were important to your parents?
Was there a significant event in your early years that shaped who you are today?
Did you go college?
If so, how did you pay for school and how much was it?
How did you decide on your career?
Describe your career.
What career advice would you give to your grandchildren?
How did you meet your spouse?
What was your first impression of him/her?
Describe your wedding.
List the names and birthdates of your children.
How did having children change your life?
What advice would you give your grandchildren on parenting?
What do you most admire about your spouse?
What advice would you give your grandchildren on marriage?
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
What values do you wish you passed on to your children?

For tips on interviewing a parent or grandparent, visit my post: ‘Interviewing a Grandparent’.

For 3 ways to record your parent or grandparent, visit my post: ‘ Recording a Grandparents Stories’.

Or let us do the work for you! (See below)

~ Legacy Videos ~

Give your parent or grandparent the gift of a lifetime by capturing their life story for your family to know!

Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview with a parent or grandparent together with family photos and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing your loved one sharing their life story, family history and memories – a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.

To learn more about capturing your parent or grandparent’s life story in a Legacy Video , visit us at FamilyTreeVideo.com .

Family Tree Video LLC Legacy Video Production (312) 402-6406

Susan Saunders Owner/Producer

Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! ’25 Legacy Video Questions’

“There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots, and the other, wings.” H. S. Carter

Legacy Videos

Capturing life stories and family history for future generations, ~ the gift of a lifetime ~.

Family Tree Video Video Biographies ~ Video Memoir ~ Family History Video Family Documentaries ~ Anniversary Videos Video Tributes ~ Heirloom Videos 25 Legacy Video Questions ~ Since 2008 ~

2 thoughts on “25 legacy video questions”.

Hello, I’m interested in doing a legacy video for my mother for her birthday. Interested in pricing and how to go about it? Do you have an sample ones you offer?

Hi Gina, You can find Legacy Video pricing and samples by visiting FamilyTreevideo.com. Best, Susan

Types of questions to ask in a biographical interview

By Melody Dexter | 5 Jan 2022

There’s the basics: open and closed-ended questions… then there’s more specific types of questions, each with their own purpose. Let’s take a look at the funnel approach, statements, rhetorical, narrative, explanatory and verification questions.

In my article Interviewing for biography: interrogation, conversation, and the in-between , I wrote about different approaches to biographical interviews. The approach you choose may influence the types of questions you choose to ask. In addition, what you choose to ask will be influenced by your objectives and the research you’ve conducted previously.

It’s important to prepare a list of questions that you might start with or refer to throughout the interview. Be prepared: oral historian Donald Ritchie says that “it is safer to have too many questions than too few… Some interviewees talk at great length in response to a single question… others answer briefly and need several follow-up questions to draw them out”.

Keep in mind that even with your list of carefully curated questions, you may not ask them all and you will likely ask new questions during the interview. In a narrative interview, a key part of knowing what to ask lies in listening effectively. We adjust or create our questions based on what has already been said. We probe or we pivot as we need to.

Ritchie discusses the importance of being flexible and curious, “an interviewer must always be prepared to abandon carefully prepared questions and follow the interviewee down unexpected paths, always helping the interviewee by questioning, guiding, coaxing, and challenging.”

The types of questions we ask influences the data that is gathered and how the interview progresses.

Open-ended questions

Later in this section, we’ll discuss the different types of questions, but first, let’s review open- ended, closed-ended and leading questions. In a narrative interview, the objective is to prompt the interviewee to do most of the talking. Open-ended questions are usually very effective at this, they give the interviewee the opportunity to ponder their thoughts and decide how long to speak about the topic.

Open-ended questions are questions which can’t be answered with a simple yes or no, or phrase. For example, an open-ended question is “tell me about your childhood”, and a more specific open-ended question is “can you tell me about the moment you realised you were adopted?”

Oral historian Charles Morrissey (cited by Ritchie) suggests framing an open-ended question by stating the problem, then asking the question, for example, “You were often seen volunteering in soup kitchens in the Bronx. How did these experiences influence your policy?” And then following this, specific questions can build upon this first answer.

Closed-ended questions

The opposite of open-ended questions are closed-ended questions. Examples of closed-ended questions are “did you have a happy childhood?” and “you grew up in New York City, is that correct?” and “what date did you move to New York?” When an interviewer limits the answers, this too is a closed-ended question, for example, “did you prefer growing up in New York or LA?” Close-ended questions or very specific questions are useful when verifying information or if time is short.

The funnel approach

Closely related to closed-ended questions is the “funnel approach” which Ritchie notes is often used in the courtroom or by political reporters. With this technique, interviewers start with broad questions, with each subsequent question becoming more specific, until the interviewee is easily able to answer “final, more specific questions”. Ritchie suggests this approach may be useful if the topic of conversation is controversial or if the interviewer is seeking specific information.

Ritchie notes that at times, it is possible to elicit a response without even asking a question, for example, restate what the person has said, make an observation or comment such as, “You grew up in South Carolina.”

Rhetorical questions

Wang and Yan suggest avoiding rhetorical questions – these can be perceived as hostile and can be perceived as expressing a point of view, similarly to how negatives can express the interviewer’s perspective, words such as isn’t, don’t and shouldn’t.

It’s impossible for interviewers to remain neutral – even if you’re working from a strict list of questions, interviewees will infer messages from visual and verbal cues, even if the cue is the interviewer being impassive. Harding notes that in a narrative biographical interview, it is appropriate for the interviewer to offer thoughts, ideas and experiences, as it builds rapport with the interviewee, however Miller reminds us that when asking questions, be mindful of leading questions and making assumptions.

Leading questions can lead to inaccurate answers; Ritchie stresses that asking leading questions might lead to the interviewee assuming that that is what the interviewer wants to hear. An example of a leading question is, “you were overjoyed about having your wedding overlooking the beach, is that right?”.

When phrasing questions, be mindful of your assumptions and presuppositions. Wang and Yan define presuppositions as being background assumptions that make an expression make sense. For example, by asking “when did you go to the party”, you’re assuming the person actually went to the party, not just asking what time they went.

Harding cites Hollway and Jefferson who differentiate between narrative and explanatory questions, both of which are important in biographical interviews. Narrative questions focus on stories, questions such as “Walk me through your first day at the White House”. Explanatory questions can include discussion about why they did something at the time and why they did it in hindsight, for example, “Why did you spend that time alone in the Oval Office on your first day?”. In researching racist and anti-Semitic groups, Blee focused on narrative questions, rather than explanatory, as she didn’t want her study to be used by participants as a way of broadcasting racist ideologies to new audiences. Below, we discuss examples of narrative and explanatory questions, as well as questions that might be used to verify information.

Narrative questions

Narrative questions can take a number of forms, but the unifying theme is that the interviewer is seeking information about what actually happened, rather than why.

Descriptive questions invite the interviewee to give a recount of an event in more detail. Rosenthal gives the following example, “you mentioned situation X earlier, could you tell me/narrate in more detail, exactly what happened?”.

Rosenthal states that interviewers might also ask about a specific theme , for example, “Could you tell me more about your parents?”. Content categories can cue memories, for example, Thomsen & Brinkmann suggest mentioning an activity, person or feeling, “do you remember an episode where you were talking (activity) to the physician (people) and felt confused (emotion)”?

It can be cognitively easier for interviewees to answer structural questions, which Ritchie describes as “ walk-me-through-a-typical-day ” questions. For example, if an interviewee is struggling to recall a memory, ask about simple memories, such as normal routines in the past at home or at work. Another tactic that might work is taking an emotive approach, asking about feelings , rather than facts. In collecting oral history from immigrants, in Doing Oral History, Kolbert is quoted, they might “not remember their daughter’s phone number. But they do remember what it was like when they got off the boat”.

Ritchie suggests that questions about experiences and examples can help the interviewee with recall. Lillrank gives the following example, “what was your most memorable experience in the Oval Office?”, or simply, “can you give me an example?”. Similarly, Rosenthal suggests asking about a specific time in their life, “Can you tell me more about the time you were…”.

Ritchie says that questions that compare or contrast help the interviewer see events from another perspective, provide rich detail for storytelling and can help with verifying stories previously told. Rosenthal suggests asking the interviewee to tell you an event from someone else’s perspective, “What did your chief of staff do while you were alone in the oval office that day?” Another example Lillrank gives is linking an experience to the past, such as “Did this remind you of something you have experienced before?”, or Thomsen and Brinkmanm suggest asking them to describe an event in a different order.

Brinkman suggests avoiding abstract questions such as “what does anger mean to you” and instead asking for descriptions about how they actually felt rather than how they would feel, for example, “What happened?” and “How did you feel at the time?”.

Keep in mind that memories can be prompted by senses such as sound, sight, taste, smell and touch. Ritchie uses objects such as maps to prompt discussion and suggests that we can also use photos, clothing, food, gardens and so on.

In writing a biography, describing the scene is essential – the interview can yield valuable, rich insights into helping you describe the scene. Lee Gutkind recommends that when a scene or experience is discussed, ask what people were wearing, what the room, house or neighbourhood looked like or what the weather was that day.

Pulitzer Prize winning biographer Robert Caro often asked interviewees “What would I see if I were there?” Caro sometimes asked a question, and kept asking the same question and sometimes his interviewee would get angry, but other times, they revealed more details, describing the scene or the person further. Santel gave a great example of Caro’s technique: Caro asked, “What was it like sitting on those couches?” and they’d say “Oh, I remember those couches. They were so downy you thought you’d never get up. And then you realise that Johnson made the couches in the Oval Office softer so people would sink down and he, sitting in his rocking chair, would be higher, towering over them”.

Chocolate birthday cake with sprinkles and eight candles.

Explanatory questions

Explanatory questions, such as asking for an opinion, or asking why or how questions, may yield more subjective responses. Ritchie cites oral historian Charles Morrissey who suggests a two-sentence format: first, state the problem and second, ask the question, for example, “The records show you were a leader in establishing zoning laws that shaped this town. Why were zoning laws your objectives?”.

When seeking an opinion on a topic, Talmage sometimes shares “academic hearsay knowledge of a topic” and then asks the interviewee to comment on the validity of the statement. For example, an interviewer might say “It’s claimed that biographers are like burglars – what are your thoughts on this?”

Verification questions

It’s imperative to keep in mind there is no single, accurate story — there can be multiple interpretations of meaning. Interviewees don’t just have one voice, Brinkman describes interviewees as being polyvocal. Sorsoli & Tolman remind us that we usually listen assuming their story is “singular and transparent”, that the person has one voice, when really we should be listening for other voices in their narrative. Sorsoli and Toman stress that “Understanding the nuances of complex personal narratives requires examining them from many different angles and slowly building an interpretation from the perspective each angle offers”.

Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Caro suggests learning as much about the person as you can, “There is no one truth, but there are an awful lot of objective facts. The more facts you get, the more facts you collect, the closer you come to whatever truth there is. The base of biography has to be facts”.

Thomsen and Brinkmann stress that it’s crucial to verify what can be verified. Lee Gutkind reminds us that facts cannot be changed: for example, that your eyes are blue or that Lyndon Johnson died in 1973. During the interview, seek to confirm, clarify and challenge. Ritchie says, “Challenge answers that seem misleading, and pursue responses that seem mistaken”. Ritchie suggests that iIf you aren’t sure about their truthfulness, come back to the point again later and consider bringing up evidence that might oppose what they are saying.

Alexievich notes that sometimes people’s oral testimonies are “infected by secondary sources”, such as newspapers or other people’s versions. Other times, Ritchie stresses that narratives are told so frequently that it has been rehearsed, and each time the story is told, it becomes embedded more firmly in the mind, “Every telling of a story embellishes it… events are telescoped, chronology tightened, order rearranged and edited, drama or humor heightened. Rehearsed stories tend to omit negative events and concentrate on triumphs”. Alexievich notes that at times interviewees “write up” or “rewrite” and that there is a need to be vigilant, on guard. Ritchie says that it’s essential to search for inaccuracies and gently challenge inconsistencies”.

Lillrank and Miller suggest looking for gaps in the story, shifts, contradictions and consistencies. Consider how they describe events, how they frame their involvement, for example, in interviewing prisoners responsible for genocide in Rwanda, Jessee noted that many convicted perpetrators talked about the atrocities they “observed” without mentioning their own role in it or who else was involved.

Use extended timelines or landmark events as contextual cues, for example, “when you were working at X” or Thomsen and Brinkmaan suggest creating a timeline of an event. DeLouise & Harrington find that if responses are particularly broad, asking further questions can help the interviewee become more specific, even questions such as “tell me just a little more about that” or “what is it that really makes that stand out?”

Because the narrative interview is a shared experience, we may become complacent and assume both parties understand what is said. Talmage suggests challenging our assumptions during an interview, to ensure we have an accurate understanding, by asking the interviewee to restate what they’ve said in a different way, or by restating it ourselves in “a clear unambiguous way and asking if that is what the respondent meant”.

Next we’ll look at listening in a biographical interview .

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