10 interview questions for a biography

Tips for crafting thoughtful life story interview questions 

Suppose you want to write a life story about someone, whether a loved one or someone who inspires you. You aim to capture their life experiences and convey a message through their story. But you might find that you need help figuring out where to start. Using the right questions is a great way. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in crafting life story interview questions that will help you capture their essence and create a captivating story.

Research their background.

Before crafting life story interview questions, thoroughly research the background of the person you’re interviewing. Here are the areas you should look into:

Upbringing:

Learn about their childhood environment, including:

• Family dynamics
• Cultural background
• Early life experiences.

Education:

Explore their educational journey, noting any significant achievements, areas of study, or challenges they encountered.

Career trajectory:

Investigate their career progression, highlighting:

• Professional accomplishments, 
• Career transitions
• Promotions
• Entrepreneurial endeavors

Significant life events:

Identify pivotal moments in their life that have influenced their life story, such as:

• Marriage
• Parenthood
• Relocation
• Personal tragedies

Personal relationships:

Explore their relationships, including

• Friendships
• Romantic partnerships
• Family dynamics

Interests:

Please take note of their hobbies, passions, and pursuits outside of work, as these can provide valuable insights into what drives and inspires them.

By thoroughly researching the interviewee’s background and identifying key themes and interests, you’ll be well-equipped to craft thoughtful and meaningful life story interview questions that elicit compelling responses.

Organize your questions

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to organize your questio

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Because every individual is unique and every interviewer has his or her own special interests and research goals, there is no single set of questions that will fit every situation. The following are some that might help guide an interview with a relative or community member about family folklore and local traditions. Pick and choose among them to suit your own interests, and change the wording as you see fit. Ultimately, the most useful questions will be those that you develop yourself based on your knowledge of your own family and/or community. Remember not to be tied to a formal list of questions; rather use your questions as guideposts for the interview. Be flexible and have fun!

Biographical Questions

• What is your name?
• Where and when were you born?
• Where did you grow up?
• Where have you lived?
• What jobs have you had?
• What do you do for a living now?

Family Folklore

Q: What do you know about your family name? Are there stories about its history or origins? Has it undergone any changes? Are there any stories about those changes? Are there any traditional first names or nicknames in your family? What are they? How did they come about? Are there any naming traditions? What are they?

Q: Do you know any stories about how your family first came to the United States? Where did they first settle? Why? How did they make a living? Did your family stay in one place or move around? How did they come to live in this area?

Q: If your tradition-bearer is a first-generation immigrant, you might ask him or her: Why did you leave to come to the United States? What possessions did you bring with you and why? What was the journey like? Which family members came along or stayed behind? What were some of your first impressions and early experiences in this country? What traditions or customs have you made an effort to preserve? Why? Are there traditions that you have given up or changed? Why?

Q: What languages do you speak