INTERVIEW GUIDE

how to capture a story worth keeping

The best Memory Stones don't just hold files — they hold stories told by the people who lived them. Here's how to draw those stories out.

start with the object, not the person

Most people freeze when you point a camera at them and say “tell me about your life.” But hand them their father's watch, or their grandmother's mixing bowl, and something different happens. The object becomes the anchor. They stop performing and start remembering.

That's the heart of a Memory Stones interview: you're not asking someone to sit for a formal interview. You're handing them something they love and letting the story come naturally.

FIVE WAYS TO OPEN THE CONVERSATION

You don't need to use all of these. Pick two or three that feel right for the person and the object. Let the conversation flow naturally — these are starting points, not a script.

🌱

origin

How this object came into the family.

–Where did this come from?
–How did it end up in our family?
–How old were you when you first saw it?
–What was going on in your life at that time?

✋

sensory

What the object looked, felt, smelled, or sounded like back then.

–What do you remember about the first time you held this?
–Has it changed over the years? How?
–Does it remind you of any particular smell, sound, or place?
–Close your eyes and hold it — what comes to mind?

👥

people

The people connected to this object.

–Who else has held or used this?
–Is there a person you think of every time you see it?
–Did anyone fight over it, or was there a funny moment involving it?
–Who should know about this object and why?

✨

surprise

The unexpected twists and hidden details.

–Is there something about this that most people would never guess?
–Was it ever lost, broken, or almost thrown away?
–Did it play a role in a big decision or turning point?
–What would this object say if it could talk?

❤️

meaning

Why it matters — the emotional core.

–Why have you kept this all these years?
–What would you want your grandchildren to know about it?
–If the house was on fire, would you grab it? Why?
–What does it represent to you in one sentence?

RECORDING TIPS

use your phone

The camera and microphone on your phone are more than good enough. Prop it up on a table or use a simple stand — you don't need fancy equipment.

keep it short

Aim for 3 to 10 minutes per story. Short recordings are more likely to be watched all the way through. You can always record multiple clips.

film the object first

Start with a close-up of the object, then pan to the person. This gives viewers the visual context before the story begins.

find a quiet spot

Turn off the TV, close the window, and silence phones. Background noise is the biggest thing that makes recordings hard to hear later.

let them hold it

Put the object in their hands before you start recording. Holding something triggers memories that just looking at it won't.

don't interrupt

Once they start talking, let them go. Nod, smile, and save your follow-up questions for when they pause naturally.

THE SHORT VERSION

✓do this

–Start with the object, not the person — let it lead the conversation.
–Record video when you can — facial expressions carry so much of the story.
–Ask one question at a time and give them space to think.
–Capture audio-only if someone is camera-shy — their voice is still a treasure.
–Say the date and who's speaking at the beginning of each recording.

✗avoid this

–Don't correct their memory — the way they remember it IS the story.
–Don't rush. If they trail off, wait. The best parts often come after a pause.
–Don't read questions off a list in front of them — memorize a few and have a conversation.
–Don't worry about getting it perfect. Imperfect and real beats polished and stiff.
–Don't wait. The best time to record these stories is today.

ready to capture your first story?

Create a Memory Stone, record your interview, and attach it. That story is now preserved — scannable by anyone, anytime.

create your first stone back to home