We use our computer devices every day for photographs, short videos, and social media posts, but when it comes to sharing life histories, the process can be a little daunting. On top of that, the StoryFile artificial intelligence platform that makes conversational video possible can feel quite overwhelming to those without a technology background.
The good news is, no matter how much you know about emerging video technology you can quickly and easily capture amazing footage following the four simple tips below. They provide you with a stress-free way to record incredible conversational video interviews, whether for yourself or for a loved one.
Learn four tips for answering family history interview questions. They provide you with a stress-free way to record incredible conversational video interviews.
Tips For Answering Family History Questions
Think about who you are conversing with while recording your StoryFile.
Imagine your StoryFile as a conversation in the future. Someone can ask your video a question, and your StoryFile will reply with a response you have thoughtfully recorded in advance. Try to think about who that person might be and imagine talking to them directly. Your real-life conversations are shaped by the person you are talking to; if you are speaking to your grandmother for example, you will have one type of conversation, and when speaking to your best friend you will likely discuss different topics and in a very different tone. Another example is the different ways you may speak to your children than you would to a spouse or colleague.
When you record your StoryFile conversational video, try to recreate how the people you want to share this experience with make you feel. This will help your responses feel natural and relaxed. Smile, use hand gestures, use animated facial expressions – whatever is natural to how you would talk with someone face to face is exactly how you want to appear when creating your StoryFile.
Be Yourself
Cameras have a tendency to make us appear much more formal than we are in real life. Your family and friends want to see the real you, so don’t feel like you have to perform. Just be yourself – people will love that. Relax and let your true personality and character shine through. This is what makes a StoryFile conversational video special; people have the chance to see you just as you are.
Be Honest
This is the tough part, but it really is worth being brutally honest, even when it is difficult. If you are polite and vulnerable and share what is on your mind, those that interact with your StoryFile in the future will have confidence that they are engaging with an honest version of your story. You can always keep your StoryFile private if you find that you share things that you are not comfortable with the world hearing, so speak from the heart and share your story.
Be Interesting
This is the fun part. The more interesting you are with your conversational video, the more your family is going to love your StoryFile. Don’t be afraid to be funny. Try to use short stories rather than single words or short sentences to answer questions. For example, if you are asked to talk about your hometown, rather than simply giving its name and geographic coordinates, think about an interesting way to describe it.
For example, you could answer something like:
“I grew up in Sherwood Forest, well not in the actual forest, but a small town called New Ollerton, which is near Sherwood Forest. It sounds lovely doesn’t it – something out of Robin Hood? Actually, think Billy Elliot, the little boy who learned to dance in a coal mining village. New Ollerton was just like that – a dirty, dingy coal mining village. I could have been famous, but unlike Billy Elliot, I never learned to dance!”
The key here is try to forget the camera, think about your loved ones, and just be yourself! Sharing your life story or helping a loved one share theirs is an incredible way to preserve family history for generations.
