“Who listens to you?”

We are a world of talkers, but what we need is to listen, and to be listened to. Find inspiration from author Kate Murphy and personal historian Dawn Roode.

the art of listening, dawn's musingsDawn M. RoodeMarch 31, 2025kate murphy book you're not listening review, how listening strengthens empathy, the power of listeningComment

“People still buy handmade shoes.”

As AI gets better and more accessible, will there still be a need for in-person story sharing services offered by personal biographers and historians? Yes!

dawn's musings, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeJanuary 27, 2025is ai taking over family history storytelling, there will always be a need for human artists even after ai, should i use ai to help write my memoir, how to use ai in my family history preservationComment

How to ask good follow-up questions in a family history interview

Five easy ways to get the best stories from your family member just by responding thoughtfully to their answers (hint: it starts with really listening!).

family history, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeOctober 28, 2024what is an open-ended question, how to ask good follow up questions in a family history interview, what types of questions get the best family stories, tips for family history interview questionsComment

The power of a follow-up question

Whether you’re interviewing your parents about their childhood or gathering family history info from your grandparents, good follow-up questions are key.

family history, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeOctober 9, 2024why follow-up questions are good, family history interview techniques, is there such a thing as a bad family history interview questionComment

“To be continued…”: When breaking up a family history interview is wise

There are a variety of reasons—including traumatic memories—when pausing a personal history interview is the best course of action. Give in to the silence if...

the art of listening, family historyDawn M. RoodeJanuary 9, 2023conducting personal history interviews remotely, talking about difficult personal history, inherited trauma, take cues from your interview subjectComment

My 3 favorite opening questions to get a personal history interview going

Planning to conduct a personal history interview with a family member? Here are three effective first questions that guarantee their stories will flow freely.

family history, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeAugust 2, 2021family history interviews, oral history interviews, interviewing techniques, questions to ask parents, family history questionsComment

The alchemy of story sharing: It takes two

Did you ever notice how joyful and empowering it can be to listen to someone else's stories? Magic happens when two people connect over story sharing.

the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeJune 14, 2021active listening, story sharing with loved ones, the power of listeningComment

Meaningful conversation when your loved one is on hospice—here’s help

How to have meaningful conversation with your loved one on hospice, including the best life review questions & 4 things we all should say when someone is dying.