How to record your Storycorps interview

Thank you for choosing to record your story as part of City of San Diego bicentennial celebration. This is your chance to preserve a meaningful conversation with someone important to you about who they are, their life experiences, and their hopes for the future of this community

If you are ready to start your interview, click “Begin Recording” below.
Or, read the steps on this page for more information about the recording process.

Step 1: CHOOSE WHO YOU WANT TO INTERVIEW

Choose a conversation partner and schedule a time to record together. You can invite a loved one, a friend, a community member, or even a stranger to record an interview with you. (Set aside ~1 hour).

Step 2: decide How you want to record

Decide whether you want to have the conversation together IN PERSON or TALK VIRTUALLY. You can record in the same room as your conversation partner or you can connect from different locations. If you are connecting from different locations, you’ll find a link in the Virtual Recording Booth to send to your partner to “meet you” there.

Step 3: PREPARE YOUR RECORDING SPACE

The StoryCorps Virtual Recording Booth includes video and audio capabilities but only your audio and one screenshot will be recorded. You don’t need to focus on how your space “looks.” To record an interview, you will need:

• A quiet, private space (turn off notifications on your phone + computer)

• Your Interview Questions list (here’s a printable list to get you started)

• Strong, reliable internet (charge your computer + close unnecessary tabs/programs)

• Headphones (if you and your partner aren’t in the same room)

Step 4: CREATE AN ACCOUNT and start RECORDING!

• When you click “Begin Recording”, you’ll create a free StoryCorps account to access the Virtual Recording Booth. Once you create your account, it will take you straight to the Virtual Recording Booth.
• If your partner is with you in person, begin recording your interview as soon as you’re both ready. 
• If your partner is joining you virtually, you can send them a link to join you in the Virtual Recording Booth. Wait until they arrive, then you can begin recording.