Tell me your story Dad
The very words I wish I had said to him. My Dad was my hero. But I didn’t ask him this question before it was too late, and he wasn’t able to fully communicate with us.
You may think you have all the time in the world, but sadly the reality is that you may not have as much time as you think. My Dad was a very healthy, fit 77 year old when we was struck by a stroke and seizures that left him unable to communicate with us verbally. He passed away 18 months after that. So I really want you to take the opportunity to talk to your Dad (and your Mum) now, and capture his story while you still can.
How to get started with interviewing your Dad
Book in some time with him, and tell him you want to hear about his life and what really matters to him. Don’t make it sound like hard work – tell him it’s just a conversation.
There’s something special about sitting down with your Dad and hearing his life story in his own words. These conversations are more than just a record of facts and dates. They’re a way to connect on a deeper level with him and hear his words of wisdom, along with his humour and all the traits that make him who he is.
My advice is to start small. You don’t need to capture his whole story in one sitting, as that can be overwhelming for you both. Instead, capture his memories over several short sessions, making them as fun and relaxed as possible. You’ll get much better answers from him that way and it won’t be rushed.
It’s also ok to spread this across several weeks or months. This gives you both some space to reflect, dig deeper and enjoy the process without pressure. Each time you get together for this will be one on one moments you will treasure too.
10 Questions to ask Dad
To help you get started, here are some suggested life story interview questions to ask your Dad. These are just suggestions, and you may feel that some are not appropriate for you to ask your Dad – but try to get some emotive questions included as they will show his personality and true spirit.
- What is your earliest childhood memory?
- What values do you feel your parents passed down to you?
- What was the most challenging time in your life, and how did you get through it?
- What career moments are you most proud of?
- What was life like when you first became a parent?
- What is one life lesson you’d like to pass on to future generations?
- If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?
- What friendships have meant the most to you in your life, and why?
- How has your idea of happiness changed over the years?
- What are your hopes for our family’s future?
Capturing your Dad’s life story is more than just a family project – it’s an act of love. His wise words will be shared with your children, your grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren in the generations to come.
So start small but start interviewing him now.
How to capture your Dad on film
If you’d like learn step by step how to plan, interview, record and edit your Dad’s life story with video, I highly recommend my ebook (with bonus video masterclass that takes you through the ebook and includes video editing demos). The ebook is filled with tips and tricks, and is aimed at beginner level.
You can buy the ebook via the link below for $37 NZD:
https://www.movingmemories.nz/downloads/how-to-film-your-life-story-e-book/
Here’s a review from a recent purchaser:
“Love the e-book and Masterclass. Beautifully delivered, great pace to understand, incredibly thorough, detailed and well thought out. This ebook and masterclass reignited my passion for collecting life stories and gave me the confidence to do it on my own. It is everything you will need complete your project from start to finish. Great introduction and really allows you to realise the true need to record these videos.
Thank you so much for making the process far simpler by setting out the pathway for others to follow and create a keepsake to cherish for generations to come.
The video is wonderful in giving you all the content in a very easy to digest format. It takes you through the chapters at a comfortable speed with many tips and hints to help you along the way. It’s like she is in the room with you talking you through every step!
Brilliant balance of professional tips alongside the more softer empathetic skills to use when working with people.
Lovely demo for editing the video too, which I have found the hardest part with my project.”
– Hina, UK
Book a free call with me
If you need help with getting started, I do offer a free 30 minute call to help you identify key areas of your life to focus on and tips to help get your life story underway. Here’s a link to book a time:
Resources & Links
⚒️The DIY Ebook: How to Film a Life Story:
Buy the DIY step-by-step How to Film a Life Story ebook for just $37 NZD and get started on your life story project today! Includes practical exercises plus BONUS masterclass video.
https://www.movingmemories.nz/downloads/how-to-film-your-life-story-e-book/
Free list of 30 life story interview questions:
https://www.movingmemories.nz/30-life-story-questions/
10 Tips for Video Confidence (Free E-book)
https://www.movingmemories.nz/top-10-tips-for-video-confidence/
YouTube channel – Saving Family Memories:
https://www.youtube.com/@savingfamilymemories
Visit www.movingmemories.nz to find out more about my services and to view snippets of some real life story videos.
Remember, your family wants to inherit stories – not stuff. ❤️
