What is the best way to record grandparents’ stories?

A phone voice memo, in a quiet room, one person at a time, for twenty to forty minutes. Say the date and names aloud at the start, record continuously, and make two copies before the day is over.

Should I use video or audio?

Audio, unless they ask for video. A visible camera changes how people talk. If you want their face, set the phone wide against something stable and never touch it again.

How do I ask permission without making it awkward?

One sentence as you sit down: “Mind if I keep this on my phone? I want to get the details right.” Then ask your first question immediately. Long explanations about legacy are what make it awkward.

How do I transcribe family recordings?

Phone apps give a rough transcript with names mangled. Story Grove transcribes recordings automatically with your family’s names as context, keeps the original audio, and prints a QR code in the book that plays it back.

What if my relatives live far away?

Send one question at a time by email and let them answer by voice when they feel like it. That is exactly what Story Grove does every week, with no app for the storyteller.

How to record family stories at Thanksgiving (without making it weird)