Here are some tips for interviewing someone affected by memory loss. For a list of question ideas for interviewers, see our StoryCorps Memory Loss Initiative question list.

• Keep in mind that the goal of the interview is to share general stories and emotions, not to focus on exact facts, names, or details.
• Use short sentences. Try not to combine two ideas. For example, it’s best to ask, “How did it feel growing up during the Depression?” and then, later, follow up with “Did you feel poor?” rather than combining the two thoughts.
• Speak at a normal rate - not too slow, but not too fast.
• Keep in mind that it might take a while for someone to process a question or come up with an answer. Be patient. Don’t follow up with another question right away.
• A little prompting may be necessary. It may be helpful to provide some information before you ask a question. For example, you might say, “I know you and dad met at a school dance. I wonder how you felt when you first saw him.”
• You might have to phrase the same question a number of different ways before a person understands it. Here is an example:
• “Tell me about your brother, John.”
• “You and your brother John are so close now. Why do you think that’s the case?”
• “It seems as if your brother John has always been your favorite brother. Why do you think that is?”

• Don’t hesitate to share some of your own stories about the storyteller with him or her during the interview. Those stories often spark a memory or just delight the person.
• Be general when you ask a question. Instead of asking about the “happiest” or “hardest” times in the person’s life, ask about “happy times” or “hard times.”
• If someone goes off-topic, go with him or her. Sometimes the best conversations happen this way. You can always redirect the person to your original question later.
• Assure the storyteller that it’s okay to ask for clarification. It’s okay to say, “I don’t remember.” You can simply rephrase a question or ask a new question and return to the topic later.
• Be aware that the interview experience might evoke some of your own emotions - emotions you may not have realized were so close to the surface. It will probably bring you much joy, but it also can also evoke feelings of loss or sorrow.
• Enjoy the opportunity to share the stories, thoughts, and emotional closeness that comes with this experience.