Learn the Secret of Asking Questions to Get the Story You Want to Hear

If you are helping your parent or parents record their story then you want to ask the questions that will get the story you want to hear. If you are writing your own story then answer those same quesitons as they would pertain  to you.

Some General quesitons to ask your parent(s) or yourself.

  • Briefly tell about one or more of your family’s best stories or tall tales.

 

  • What family traditions are still practiced in your family?

 

  • What personal traits or charcteristics seem to run in the family?

 

  • What may have caused you to say, “Just wait until you have children of your own?”

 

  • What are some of the most memorable historical events you  have seen in your lifetime?

 

  • Did you travel? Where? What places were most interesting and why?

 

  • What would you say is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

 

  • What decision do you consider to be your wisest decision?

 

  • Do you have a philosophy of life to share? What is it?

 

  • Write about some of your favorite things and tell why they are your favorites.

The secret to not feeling overwhelmed is to cut the task down to size by writing one bite at a time, and focus on only one bite at a time. Remember the old elephant jokes? “How do you eat an elephant?” ONE BITE AT A TIME! That is the best way to go about writing your story.

Once again, be creative! This is your story so add as many ideas as you would like to this list.

Next: More about Veterans Stories