Can I Review my Oral History Interview Questions in Advance?

The Short Answer

Yes, most oral historians provide a list of sample questions or general topics beforehand. This helps you feel prepared and ensures the conversation focuses on the areas that matter most to you.

Setting the Stage for Your Personal Story

When people book an interview with me, one of the first things they ask is whether they can see the questions ahead of time. It is completely natural to want to prepare! Stepping up to the microphone to summarize decades of your life can feel like a tall order, especially if you aren't quite sure what direction the conversation will take. My goal is to make this process as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why I always provide a clear roadmap well before we ever press record.

1. A Roadmap, Not a Script

When I send you sample questions and topics in advance, it isn't so you can memorize your answers or write out a rigid script. Instead, I want you to view this list as a gentle roadmap for our conversation. Because I work primarily with Baby Boomers, we often have an incredible amount of ground to cover—from your earliest childhood memories to navigating your career, raising a family, and the legacy you want to leave behind. Seeing the general flow of our upcoming interview simply helps you mentally organize those distinct chapters of your life so you feel anchored once the storytelling begins.

2. Activating Your Memory Triggers

Providing topics in advance is an incredibly effective way to start the memory retrieval process. When you read a prompt like, "What was the defining moment of your twenties?" or "Tell me about your grandparents," it plants a seed. Over the next few days, you will likely find memories bubbling up to the surface while you are washing the dishes or driving to the store. You might even feel inspired to pull out old photo albums or dig through a box of letters. By the time we actually sit down for our session, those stories are fresh in your mind and ready to be shared with vivid detail.

3. Highlighting Your Priorities

Your life story belongs entirely to you, and reviewing the questions beforehand puts you in the driver's seat. It allows you to look over the topics and identify the areas you are most excited to talk about—and the areas you might prefer to skip. If you see a question that sparks a fantastic, hour-long story about a cross-country road trip, you can let me know! Alternatively, if there is a certain era you'd rather leave out of the recording, we simply bypass it. Providing the framework in advance ensures we spend our time together focusing on the legacy that matters most to you.

The Peace of Mind to Be Present

The greatest emotional benefit of knowing the questions in advance is peace of mind. When you aren't worried about being caught off guard or forgetting an important detail, you can truly relax. You are free to be fully present in the moment, naturally recounting the laughter, the challenges, and the wisdom of your life. That relaxed, authentic presence is exactly what makes for a beautiful, enduring oral history.