Advice for Hosting a Meaningful Conversation

It's easy to get caught up in the goal of creating a video or project, but our community often finds the most value in the act of sitting down and having these conversations. By simply asking questions and listening, they deepen their understanding of others and strengthen their relationships. These really are gifts that keep on giving.

1. Begin with gratitude - Thank everyone for participating. You are both giving the gift of time and intention. Acknowledge that and share a moment of gratitude for each other.
2. Share your plan - Help put others at ease by explaining the kinds of questions you will ask, what your goal is, and why you are doing this.
3. Ask clear, open-ended questions - Short and specific questions work best to keep answers on subject. You can probe or ask clarifying questions if needed (we recommend getting information on dates and years whenever possible). The whats and whys and hows will open up memories as you go.
4. Listen - Embrace pauses, they often lead to deeper reflections. Avoid interruptions if possible and let the memories and stories flow. If someone is particularly prone to going off-track, consider a visual cue to remind them to refocus.
5. End the session when needed - It's okay if you don’t get everything you want in one go. When people get tired or recollections become too emotional, take a break. Every conversation will be different, some will flow and weave, and others may need you to draw the person out a bit.

Preparing for Conversations with Remento

When creating your project, think about the story you want to tell, the person you are talking with, and the person who might watch this later.

• What are you hoping to learn about or discover? Choose topics and questions to guide your conversation accordingly.
• What photos will you want to include? Do you have them already or do you need to ask for them – or even take new pictures? Collecting photos in advance will help inspire the stories you can uncover.
• Might other people have questions to include? Consider asking other relatives if they have suggestions about stories, photos, or questions to ensure you are capturing content for the whole family to enjoy.
• When and where will the conversation take place? Does your topic or partner need a quiet and private setting to feel comfortable? Or will the conversation benefit from a group gathering where others can hear and join in? Think about how much time you will have with a person and what you want to accomplish.

Tips for Recording with Remento

Our smartphones have incredible cameras and features. Thinking about a couple of small things before you start recording can make a huge difference in your final videos.

• Location - Where will you have your conversation? A quiet, private environment helps create a comfortable space for talking about personal topics.
• Arrangement - Where will you be sitting? Side by side or across from each other? Propping your phone up on a table or with a tripod ensures a more steady video and reduces distraction during the conversation. Consider who you want in the frame and what is behind them. A few minutes spent thinking about your setup before you hit record will make the experience more comfortable and give you a better recording.
• Lighting - Avoid backlighting and ensure faces are visible when you record video. Turning towards a window or switching on a lamp can make a big difference.
• Noise - Check for unnecessary distracting noises like TVs or appliances that might interrupt your conversation. You can always hit “pause” if needed.