Oral History Interview Checklist (Printable)

This oral history interview checklist helps you plan the questions, setup, and follow‑up steps that lead to great recordings. Use it before every family interview to capture clear audio and meaningful stories. Save this checklist and pair it with the oral history app for a smoother workflow.

Table of contents

• Before the interview
• During the interview
• After the interview
• Suggested starter questions
• FAQ

Before the interview

• Pick a quiet room and minimize background noise.
• Charge your phone and enable airplane mode.
• Prepare 5–10 open‑ended questions.
• Test your recording setup for clarity.

During the interview

• Start with easy questions to warm up.
• Let pauses happen—don’t rush the story.
• Ask follow‑ups like “What happened next?”
• Capture names, dates, and locations as they arise.

After the interview

• Save the recording with a clear title.
• Generate a transcript in Record Family Stories.
• Organize the story in a collection.
• Share with family or add to a family history book.

Suggested starter questions

• What is your earliest memory?
• What was your home like growing up?
• Who influenced you most?
• How did you meet your spouse/partner?
• What do you want your grandchildren to remember?

FAQ

How long should an interview be?

20–45 minutes is ideal for most family interviews.

Should I use video?

Audio is easier to capture and transcribe. Use video only if you need visuals.

How many interviews do I need?

Even a few interviews can preserve decades of memories.