Tailor questions to each person as you talk with him or her. Be flexible about possible digressions, which can turn up unexpected and valuable information, but don't stray too much off track. Take accurate notes or tape-record the conversation. Ask your relative if he or she is comfortable about being videotaped. Save the most important interviews for last, after you've honed your interviewing skills.
Family history can be a stressful topic.
Be polite and considerate of your relatives' feelings and remember that they might not be as interested in recalling old memories as you are. Ask specific questions to jog your relatives' memories. Bringing photographs may help. After the interview, ask your subject if he or she can recommend other relatives to interview. Also ask for photographs or other mementos that you can have or photograph.