25 Thought-Provoking Interview Questions
You've finally managed to corner Grandma with tape recorder in hand. She's told you about where she's lived, what her childhood was like, and how she met Grandpa. You have a lot of the basics--but now you want to dig a little deeper. How do you get her to open up?
Not to worry. Here are a few questions that go beyond the run-of-the-mill "what is your name and where were you born" variety. While you're at it, interview yourself! Jot down some thoughts about your answers to these questions in your journal or on a timeline to flesh out your own life stories.
What is the most frightened you’ve ever been?
What parent are you most like and why?
What political or historical event has had the most impact on you personally?
What is your earliest memory?
If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what would it be?
What has provided you the greatest satisfaction in life and why?
What was your first impression of your spouse/partner the first time you met?
What was your proudest moment as a parent?
Which of your children is most like you and why?
What was the most exciting day of your life?
What is the one thing you’d like people to remember about you?
How has the world changed since you were young?
Does the idea of death frighten you? Why or why not?
What life event damaged you the most?
What life event strengthened you the most?
How do you feel about money?
Did you have conflicts with your parents as a teenager? What were they?
What is your greatest talent?
What talent do you wish you had that has eluded you?
What is your greatest weakness?
What is the most important object you own and why?
What do you wish you could change about your education?
What invention during your lifetime has had the greatest impact on you personally?
If there is one piece of wisdom you could pass on to your descendants, what would it be?
What could you not live without in your life?
