Recording Virtually with the StoryCorps Mobile Tour

• You must complete a 10-15 minute "tech-check" prior to your recording appointment to ensure the technological aspects of recording run smoothly during your appointment. If we are unable to schedule a tech-check with you before your appointment, we will have to cancel your appointment.

• You do NOT need access to video to participate in a virtual recording. We offer dial-out options as well.

• About two weeks before your StoryCorps Virtual appointment, a member of our team will call you to confirm your virtual appointment, give you a brief introduction to StoryCorps, and schedule a "tech check."

• During your 10-15 minute "tech check" a member of our team will test your device's audio and video quality. They will also give you a tour of the StoryCorps virtual recording space and answer any remaining questions you might have about the recording experience. "Tech checks" usually take place a few days before the recording appointment.

• The night before the recording appointment, a facilitator will send you a link, which you will follow the next day to enter the virtual platform for their recording. As with the "tech check," clicking on the interview link will bring you to a "connectivity test" page, which tests the video and audio quality available given the strength of your internet connection.

• By clicking "Join" at the bottom of the "connectivity test" page, you will enter the StoryCorps Virtual recording platform, where you will be met by your facilitator.

A StoryCorps interview is 40 minutes of uninterrupted time for meaningful conversation with a friend or loved one. What are the questions you want to ask and the memories you want to preserve? No matter how well you know your storyteller, a little preparation will improve the quality of your interview enormously.

1. WELCOME

(2 minutes): The Facilitator will provide some background information about StoryCorps, explain their role in the interview process, and answer any questions you might have.

2. PREP

(8 minutes): The Facilitator will walk you through the paperwork, which asks for basic personal information such as name, address, and ethnic background.

3. SOUND CHECK

(5 minutes): Once you and your interview partner are ready to proceed, the Facilitator will make sure you are positioned well for recording and check the audio levels.

4. INTERVIEW

(40 minutes): Use your prepared question list, but remember they are just suggestions to get you started. Trust your instincts. When you hear something that moves you, ask more questions. Sometimes your storyteller will need “permission” to explore a certain topic; you can simply say “Tell me more.” Feel free to ask questions in whatever order feels right, and don’t let them constrain the conversation. Real moments are the best moments.

Some tips for helping the conversation flow:

• Look at your conversation partner, not the facilitator's video or other distractions on your computer. Stay interested and engaged.

• Be yourself; you can laugh or even cry with your conversation partner.

• Emotional questions like “how does this make you feel?” often elicit thoughtful responses. Don’t be afraid to ask.

• Be curious and honest and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.

While you and your partner are talking, the Facilitator will take notes, keep time, and monitor audio. Facilitators are not interviewers, though they may ask a question during the recording.

5. RELEASE OPTIONS

(4 minutes): Our facilitator will explain the release form, which allows StoryCorps to keep one copy of your recording and send another to the archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. You can fill out this form online in the virtual space. After your recording has been archived, StoryCorps will send you a digital copy of the interview for download.

6. PHOTOS

(6 minutes): The Facilitator will take photos of you and your interview partner, both together and separately. These photos will be included in the archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. You also have the option to submit a recent "selfie" if you prefer it over a screenshot, in the virtual space.

In about 4-6 weeks you will receive an email addressed from the “StoryCorps Archive.” The title of the email will read “Your StoryCorps Interview is Ready.” When you open the email and scroll down you will see a blue button that says “Claim Your Interview” with your interview ID# next to it. From there, you will follow instructions on how to make a profile on our Online Archive. Within seconds, you’ll be able to hear your recording!