• What’s your first memory?
• Who’s the oldest relative you remember (and what do you remember about him or her)?
• How did your parents meet?
• Tell me about your childhood home(s).
• How did your family celebrate holidays when you were a child?
• How did you meet your spouse? (If married)
• Tell me about your wedding day. (If married)
• Tell me about the day your first child was born. (If a parent)
School and Work
• What were your favorite school subjects?
• Tell me about your teachers.
• Tell me about some of your friends.
• Tell me about your first job.
• What did you do with your first paycheck?
• What advice would you offer those nearing retirement? (If retired)
Experiences
• Who are some of your heroes?
• Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy was shot? (Add or substitute other important historical events.)
• What’s your experience with or opinion of computers and television?
• Tell me about your favorite songs (also books, movies and TV shows).
• Tell me about some of the places where you’ve been happiest.