The Art of the Family History Interview: From Awkward to Amazing

This lively panel reveals the art behind successful family history interviews—moving beyond awkward interrogations to meaningful conversations that deepen connections. Watch live demonstrations as three experienced educators show you the difference between pestering relatives for facts and creating comfortable spaces where stories flow naturally. Discover why your well-meaning questions might be falling flat and learn active listening techniques that unlock deeper memories. We'll tackle the real challenges: getting past one-word answers, handling emotional topics gracefully, and transforming reluctant relatives into eager storytellers. You'll gain practical tools for preparation, recording, and follow-up, plus question strategies that work across generations. Whether you're facing the prospect of the reluctant interviewee or the tangent-taking talker, this session will equip you to conduct interviews that leave both you and your relatives feeling great about the experience.