How to Prepare Your Parents for Their Legacy Video Interview
Work together to prepare your Mom or Dad for their Legacy Interview.
Preparing your parent for their legacy interview is paramount to success.
Creating a legacy video for your parents is a beautiful way to preserve their stories, wisdom, and cherished memories for future generations. However, preparing them for the interview can feel daunting. Whether you’re planning to conduct the interview yourself or want to hire a professional production company, a thoughtful approach can help ensure the process is smooth and the final product is heartfelt and authentic.
Here are some practical tips to gently guide your parents through their legacy video interview.
1. Have a Conversation about their Legacy Video First
Before diving into the logistics of the video, initiate a casual conversation with your parents about the idea. Explain the purpose of the video is to celebrate their lives, share their experiences, and leave a legacy for future generations. This conversation can help them feel more involved and valued in the process.
Tip: Frame it as a fun family project. Highlight the opportunity for them to share their wisdom and stories with their grandchildren or even great-grandchildren.
2. Choose Meaningful Questions for their Legacy Interview
The questions you ask will shape the direction of the interview and can elicit rich, emotional responses. Collaborate with your parents to come up with a list of questions that resonate with them. Here are some categories and sample questions to consider:
Early Life:
What are your fondest memories from childhood?
Who were your role models growing up?
Life Milestones:
Can you share the story of how you met Mom/Dad?
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career?
Life Lessons:
What advice would you give to your younger self?
What values do you hope to pass down to your family?
Encourage your parents to elaborate on their answers and share anecdotes that bring their stories to life.
Tip: Keep the questions open-ended to encourage a flowing conversation. We came up with a list of questions to get you started. Add your own bespoke questions that relate to your own family and ignore the ones that might not be relevant.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment for the Legacy Interview
The setting of the interview can significantly impact your parents' comfort levels and the authenticity of their responses. Whether you choose to film at home, in a favorite park, or another meaningful location, ensure the environment is quiet and free from distractions.
Tip: If filming at home, consider creating a cozy space with familiar items around them, such as family photos or heirlooms, to inspire conversation and trigger memories.
4. Set the Right Tone
Before the interview, set a positive and relaxed tone. Discuss the process with your parents, ensuring they understand that there’s no pressure to perform or adhere to a strict script. Emphasize that this is their chance to speak freely and share their truth.
Tip: If you’re working with a professional production team, make sure they understand the importance of creating a relaxed atmosphere. A good production team will know how to engage your parents gently and respectfully.
5. Encourage Candidness during the interview
Authenticity shines through in video interviews. To help your parents feel at ease, encourage them to speak from the heart. Share stories of your own vulnerabilities to show that it’s okay to be honest and open.
Tip: Use humor to lighten the mood. Share funny family stories or anecdotes to create an atmosphere of warmth and connection.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
As you prepare for the interview, remember that patience is key. Your parents may need time to gather their thoughts or may become emotional when discussing certain topics. Allow for pauses and give them space to express their feelings without interruption.
Tip: If emotions run high, it’s okay to take breaks during the interview. Reassure your parents that it’s perfectly natural to feel a mix of joy and sadness when reminiscing about life experiences.
7. Practice Ahead of Time
If your parents feel nervous about the interview, consider doing a practice run. This could involve asking them a few of the prepared questions in a relaxed setting to help them get used to the format.
Tip: Record the practice session to help them get comfortable with the camera and see how their stories come across. This can also be a fun way to relive moments together as a family.
8. Capture Additional Material
In addition to the main interview, think about capturing additional material. This could include photos, home videos, or even snippets of family gatherings. These elements can enrich the final product and provide context to your parents’ stories.
Tip: Ask your parents if they have any memorabilia they’d like to share during the interview. This could be anything from old letters and photographs to favorite books or family heirlooms.
9. Discuss the Final Legacy Video
Once the interview is complete, it’s important to discuss how the final video will be shared with family members. Will it be shown at a family gathering, shared online, or saved for future generations? Knowing the purpose of the final product can help your parents feel even more connected to the project.
Tip: Consider creating a small viewing party for close family members to watch the video together. This can be a wonderful way to celebrate your parents’ stories and honor their legacy.
10. Emphasize the Importance of Their Legacy
Finally, take time to emphasize how important their stories are to you and the family. Let your parents know that their experiences and wisdom matter and will be cherished by future generations.
Tip: Remind them that this video isn’t just a project; it’s a way to ensure their legacy lives on, providing guidance and inspiration to those who come after them.
Remember, preparing your parents for a legacy video interview is an opportunity to deepen your relationship and celebrate their life stories. By approaching the process with care, sensitivity, and a touch of creativity, you can help them feel comfortable and encouraged to share their truths. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional, the key is to foster an environment of warmth and authenticity. In doing so, you’ll create a lasting keepsake that your family will treasure for generations to come.
