Familiar Conversations
Familiar Conversations capture the dynamics and intimacy of small (2-4 person) groups as they reminisce. Narrate staff facilitates these sessions for close acquaintances to recollect, reconnect, and reflect over shared stories and milestones.
Familiar Conversations customers receive one-on-one consultations, specialized research, personalized interview questions, one-on-one sessions with trained oral historians, high-quality recording, custom editing, and personalized story craft. This is a wonderful service for small teams, close friends or family members whose shared energy galvanizes conversations.
LENGTH: UP TO 120 MINUTES.
PRICE: Starting at $899.
Familiar Conversations Include:
Personalized welcome letter and gift certificate to present to all involved interviewees.
Personal consultation with customer and interview subjects, either in person, online, or over the phone.
Customized, dedicated research.
Two Hours (approximate) recorded interview.
Personalized Editing Services.
Finalized, corrected, edited interview in .MP3 and .WAV formats on a jump drive or as a Google Drive File.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are good candidates for Familiar Conversations?
Generally, Familiar Conversations are small groups of close people reminiscing - think older siblings at a holiday gathering, or childhood friends getting together around a class reunion. We all know these small groups, and are probably even part of one. But Familiar Conversations capture the magic of these people seeing each other again, the spontaneity, and the familiarity. Great stories emerge during these conversations, and with an expert Narrate interviewer guiding the process, the old, familiar stories can breathe new life!
What do I need to prepare for my oral history?
It’s pretty simple! Make sure you are well-rested, hydrated, and not hungry. Try to be in a place with no interruptions (an office or unused room in your house); silence your phone and any media in the room. Be comfortable - a favorite chair is a good place to be, comfortable clothing is ideal. And try to relax. What may make you nervous in the beginning, always dissipates as you get into the interview. Remember, you are the expert on you, and we want to know everything you are willing to share!
How are in-person interviews and phone interviews different?
Narrate developed the phone interviews during the 2020/2021 COVID-19 shutdown. These phone interviews are the next best thing to being in-person, with the interviewer and interviewee recording their conversation on a private line, its just like having a personal, heart to heart conversation with a family member or old friend. However, we started Narrate knowing the power of one-on-one, in-person interaction, where good energy can flow freely back and forth, participants can face one another and make eye contact, and all participants can relax without having to worry about technology. The old ways are often the best ways.
What if there are subjects I don’t feel comfortable talking about?
We totally understand that feeling! Narrate is helping you create the story you want to tell. And everyone has areas of their life they would rather not highlight. If there’s an area of your life that you don’t feel comfortable with, feel free to share those feelings in your consultation or in the interview, and the interviewer will respect your boundaries. We want to help you shape your best narrative, and create your strongest legacy.
Our team found audio to be an incredible and fun medium for capturing our story. Evan was wonderful to work with and created a space that put everyone at ease. He was patient and thoughtful throughout our storytelling process. Highly recommended!
— Rebecca Sorensen