How to record a virtual interview with an older family member.
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How to record a virtual interview with grandma.
Staying safe right now means staying at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take this time to explore your family history. If you want to learn more about your family history and preserve it for current and future generations, then you may want to record an interview with a family member. Naturally, in person interviews are not safe right now—but you can do a virtual interview from lockdown that will help you learn more about your family history. The following is a guide on how you can record a virtual interview with an older family member right now.
Step One: Choose Software For Virtual Interviews
The first thing you need to do is choose the right software or platform for your virtual interview. This will largely depend on what the older family member is able to access from their home. The following are some of the most common software, apps or platforms that can be used to conduct a virtual interview.
FaceTime
If both you and your older family member have Apple phones or tablets, then you can use FaceTime to connect with each other through a video call. FaceTime is very simple to use, so if you have the ability to access this option, it is a great choice for older family members.
Skype
If both of you don’t have Apple products, then you will need to turn to an alternative. One alternative includes Skype, which allows for audio-only calls, video calls as well as messaging. Skype can be used on the phone, computer, and tablets.
Zoom
Zoom has become much more popular recently, thanks to its innovative features which allow users to add backdrops, use filters, record and much more. Zoom is a good option if you want to talk to multiple family members during the same interview, so if you would like to talk to people in multiple houses, consider giving Zoom a try.
Step Two: Set up a way to record the interview
Next, you will need to find a way to record the interview. Some platforms will have built-in recording capabilities, but if they don’t you will need to find an external device that can record the phone call. The simplest way to do this is set up a tablet, phone or computer camera and have it record you on video as you conduct the interview.
Click here to learn tips on how to interview an older family member remotely.
Step Three: Prepare a list of questions
Before you begin the interview, make sure you have a list of questions that you definitely want to ask. A list will help to ensure that you don’t forget anything important and can keep you on track during the interview process.
Click here for are a list of 10 questions to ask your parents!
Step Four: Interview
The last step is to conduct the interview itself. Make sure that you and your family member can see each other if you are doing a video call, and instruct your family member to sit facing a window to get the best natural light.
Click here for some tips on how to film your parents with a smartphone.
Remember the above guide when you are ready to conduct an interview with an older family member during this period of self-isolation.
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