Playing Cards & Games

Whenever we started to run out of things to talk about after dinner (and perhaps a few of us had enjoyed a little snooze), we would clear all the tables and get down to the serious business of playing a card game called Euchre. We drew cards to determine partners, then assembled at various tables in groups of four. The head table would play until someone got to ten points. The winning team remained as partners at the head table, but the losers moved down to the lowest table and switched partners with the losers there.

The marvelous thing about this process was that everyone participated and had a great time, from about age ten up to the grandparents. By switching partners, we all had a delightful chance to visit with each other and enjoy the intimate camaraderie of family and friends. As always at the end of a wonderful evening, we would have one more opportunity to share another piece of Mom’s fabulous pie, a little coffee and a whole lot of love.

We often played a variety of board games as well with friends and family, such as the old standbys: Monopoly, Clue, Parcheesi, Scrabble, Sorry, Cribbage and Chess. One Christmas I received a Chess set and considered myself to be quite a competent player. However, that complacency was shattered one evening when elderly friends came by. Once I taught “Uncle Marce” the basic rules, we started a game. Within a matter of minutes, he had me in checkmate, so I humbly learned a very important lesson: You can in fact teach an “old dog” a new trick.

Tips on Interviewing - Part 6

Part 6 of a 6-part series on interviewing tips to capture stories from other people.

6. In conclusion…

a. Thank them again - Thank them for taking the time to tell their wonderful stories.

b. Take a picture – Consider taking a photo of your subject. You may want to include the picture in your final story, to share with others or to keep for your own reference. Unfortunately for me, I did not consider doing this when I first started out and one of my favorite subjects passed away shortly afterward.

c. Follow up – In case you have any questions, ask if you can contact them again.

d. The finished product – You may want to ask if they would like to see the final product that you create. In fact, you may offer to give them a copy of what you have written, but that will be up to you. Remember that they may enjoy seeing their own stories in print, too!

Tips on Interviewing - Part 5

Part 5 of a 6-part series on interviewing tips to capture stories from other people.

5. No story to tell?

a. Nobody is interested – Some people don’t think they have a story to tell and that their life is nothing out of the ordinary. In reality, everyone has a story! They just need some encouragement to tell it to you.

b. Questions break the ice – Your list of questions will help the person remember stories to tell you. You can encourage them to think about specific topics, such as where they have lived, what it was like growing up, how they came to this city or what their favorite games were. General topics also help begin a conversation, such as where were they during World War II, what they liked best (or least) about school or what pets they have had.

c. Useful memory joggers – Consider bringing along some memory joggers to the interview, such as old photos, letters of newspaper clippings. If you are looking for stories about a particular period, such as the Great Depression for example, you can bring a book on the subject.

d. Tell me more… - Encourage them by using simple responses: Tell me more about your pet skunk, How did you feel after winning the spelling bee or Have you ever wanted to go back to visit the old homestead.

Tips on Interviewing - Part 4

Part 4 of a 6-part series on interviewing tips to capture stories from other people.

4. Impromptu questions

a. Develop good interview skills – Start with a prepared list of questions or topics to discuss, but feel free to expand to other areas on the fly. Impromptu (unplanned) questions may turn out to be the best ones.

b. Lead-ins to other questions – Often times their response will lead you to think of another question that is not on your list. Go for it! Some of the best human interest stories happen because the speaker opened up an unexpected door to another subject. These can be exciting discoveries. For example, as Grandma is telling you about her 3rd Grade experiences, she may say “Oh! That reminds me. Did you ever hear about the time your dad got kicked out of the 3rd Grade for…?”

c. Don’t interrupt - save it for later – While the person is responding to your question, they may trigger other questions in your mind. If they are still talking, do not interrupt them! Let them finish their train of thought first. You can jot down the question to remind yourself to ask it a bit later. If Grandma hasn’t told you as much as you’d like to know, ask her, “What else did my dad do in 3rd Grade that was funny?”

Tips on Interviewing - Part 3

Part 3 of a 6-part series on interviewing tips to capture stories from other people.

3. Really listen to the other person

a. Give your undivided attention – Treat this interview as your one and only chance to understand this person’s story. You never know when circumstances may prevent you from having another opportunity.

b. Let the other person talk – Ask your question, then listen to what they say. Don’t interrupt while they answer and don’t argue if your opinion differs. You want to record what they have to say, not so much your own responses and stories

c. Read their body language – Watch for visual clues: Are they reluctant to answer your question? Are they having a hard time forming a response and need some encouragement? Are they getting choked up and need a glass of water?

d. Wait until they finish – As they are speaking, they may think of something else to tell you. If it looks like they are thinking, give them more time to respond. These may be some of the best and most meaningful answers you will get.