Shared Stories: Tools for Building Empathy

Explore how a simple tool connects families across generations by capturing and preserving cherished stories and memories.

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Want to connect with family and preserve cherished memories? Storii makes it simple.

This phone-based tool helps families capture personal stories, even across generations and long distances. Here’s how:

  • Automated Calls: Scheduled calls let loved ones share memories using just a basic phone.
  • Guided Prompts: Choose from 1,000+ questions or customize your own to spark meaningful conversations.
  • Easy Sharing: Recordings are transcribed and securely shared via email, SMS, or links.
  • Story Preservation: Save stories as audiobooks or PDFs to keep voices and memories alive for years.

Whether it’s hearing your mom’s childhood stories or preserving your dad’s voice, Storii helps families feel closer and build lasting connections.

Capturing the Oral History of Our Families Before It's Too Late

1. Storii

Storii

Storii offers a simple, phone-based system designed to make cross-generational storytelling easier with four key features.

Easy Recording
With automated phone calls, storytellers only need a basic phone. They answer scheduled calls to share their memories effortlessly.

Customizable Prompts
Pick from over 1,000 prompts or create your own questions. You can schedule up to three guided calls each week to capture detailed, meaningful responses.

Seamless Sharing
Recordings are automatically transcribed and can be shared securely via email, SMS, or direct links through the platform.

Story Preservation Options
Save memories as audiobooks or PDFs, keeping both the voice recordings and transcripts intact for future generations.

This system transforms personal stories into lasting connections, strengthening family ties. Up next, we'll look at how to create your own story question lists.

2. Story Question Lists

Storii offers over 1,000 thoughtfully crafted prompts that are delivered through automated calls. These prompts help turn everyday conversations into meaningful stories, even for those without internet access or smartphones. They complement Storii's recording features by steering each call toward deeper, more engaging discussions.

"I've been using Storii for a couple of months and now have my own elderly father using it. The chance to hear his stories, recorded in his own voice, will be treasured by generations in our family. It's so simple and so easy, yet so powerful. If you have older loved ones, don't wait. Start now so you can record and preserve their stories and memories. Priceless."
– Tom Vander Well

These regular prompts help enrich your family's shared narrative by uncovering new details and perspectives. By blending these prompts with automated calls, Storii ensures every session adds meaningful depth to your family's history.

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3. Basic Recording Methods

Once you've created engaging prompts, the next step is choosing simple recording methods that allow stories to unfold naturally. Using tools like Storii's prompts, all you really need is a basic phone and a calm environment. Scheduled, automated calls gently deliver questions, making it easy for memories to flow without the hassle of complicated technology.

"Our family members can see the different life story questions my mom has answered. It's helped us build up sort of a family legacy." - Helen Teegan

To ensure these stories are preserved securely:

  • Get clear consent from participants
  • Set clear boundaries for who can access the recordings
  • Use passwords or encryption to protect the files

You can save these conversations as audiobooks or transcripts, turning them into cherished keepsakes. By preserving voices in their original form and keeping them secure, families can connect on a deeper level as they listen to the raw, unfiltered memories of their loved ones.

Benefits and Limitations

Feature Automated Calls Prompt Lists Manual Recording
Ease of Use No tech required, scheduled calls, automated Paper-based, manual tracking, self-guided Requires tech setup, devices, manual management
Prompt Library 1,000+ curated prompts, custom options Manually created, static lists, lacks flow Self-written, unstructured, no centralized library
Family Sharing Secure via email, SMS, or direct links In-person only, limited distribution Manual sharing, potential compatibility issues
Privacy Secure sharing controls Physical control, fewer options Relies on device security, manual protection

Users have shared their experiences, highlighting the differences:

Automated calls help build stronger connections, as Clayton Boeyink shares:

"I live long distance from my mom and this is a great way to connect with her on a deeper level rather than just FaceTime talking about the weather. I have learned so much about my mom's childhood and what life was like before she had kids. I would highly recommend this for anybody wanting to connect with family and to uncover great stories and tidbits about people you thought you knew so well!"

For older users, accessibility can be a game-changer. Helen Teegan explains:

"The fact that it calls her directly on her home phone made a big difference as she isn't great at using technology. A great mothers day gift!"

When choosing a method, think about technical needs, storage, sharing, and privacy. Match the approach to your family’s location, comfort with technology, and sharing preferences to make the process smoother and ensure stories are preserved.

Key Takeaways

When using these tools, focus on methods that simplify the process and maintain genuine connections:

  • Align recording methods with each family member's comfort level and tech skills.
  • Use clear prompts to encourage meaningful conversations and strengthen bonds.
  • Opt for formats that are easy to access, even with basic phones or limited technology.
  • Set sharing controls to safeguard privacy while ensuring family members can access stories.
  • Keep original voice recordings to retain the emotional depth and connection.

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