Legacy Video Lounge Podcast – LVL 14: Keeping the Energy Level High!

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The Legacy Video Lounge Podcast, Episode 14
In Episode 14 of the Legacy Video Lounge Podcast, personal historian, video biographer, and Family Legacy Video, Inc. president Steve Pender answers a listener’s question about keeping up the energy during a life story interview.

Here’s the question, which came in via email:

“One thing that occurred to me after I listened to your podcast on the pre-interview (which was excellent) is regarding the energy levels. I did radio for years – and I know – people (of all ages) can tend to go monotone, if you don’t keep lifting up the energy. I hope you’ll address this in a future podcast.”

Some tips:

  • Inquire about storyteller’s energy level during preproduction. Do they have the energy for a full day’s shoot?
  • If material is extensive, you may want to look at two days or more.
  • If you’re determined to keep the finished video around an hour or so, plan on no more than around two hours of raw interview.
  • Stay engaged with the storyteller – maintain eye contact, use nonverbal cues by varying your expressions, nodding, gesturing.
  • Keep an eye on the storyteller’s energy level and mental focus. If he or she tires or starts to stray from the topic at hand, take a break.
  • Do all the things you need to do to make your interview set a comfortable and fun space: Provide water, let the storytellers take breaks when they want, and let them know that do-overs are okay.

    • Storytellers who are having a good time are likely to maintain better energy levels – so have fun!