ORRVILLE, Ohio, U.S. – This holiday season, Folgers is partnering with StoryCorps, a non-profit organization dedicated to capturing our nation’s stories, to encourage families across America to share their memories and connect with loved ones over a cup of coffee.
In an effort to help families connect and share traditions across all generations, Folgers is a proud sponsor of the StoryCorps, 2017 Great Thanksgiving Listen® program, which focuses on giving Americans of all ages the opportunity to record a conversation with a grandparent, teacher, mentor or loved one over the holidays.
Stories, like coffee, are better when shared, which is why Folgers is reuniting loved ones during a time when people are reminiscing and reflecting on memories and traditions. The brand is inviting fans to share who they would like to reconnect with on www.folgerscoffee.com/share-a-coffee for a chance to win an in-person reunion.
“Sitting down to share a cup of coffee with a friend or loved one can bring people together through meaningful conversation, which is the driving force behind everything we do at StoryCorps,” says Emily Janssen, a storytelling expert at StoryCorps. “As one of our sponsors of this year’s Great Thanksgiving Listen, the Folgers brand is an ideal partner because storytelling and coffee are so often a part of our holiday traditions when we gather with loved ones around the kitchen table.”
To help fans meaningfully connect with one another, the brand enlisted Janssen to share her top storytelling tips to be used as a reference throughout the storytelling interview process, and when connecting with family over the holidays:
- Take time to listen: Invite someone that you want to know more about, such as a beloved relative, close friend, mentor, or neighbor, to sit down with you in a quiet spot, perhaps over a warm cup of coffee, to share stories and traditions together. Some people may be hesitant, so to ease their hesitation, emphasize that everybody’s story is important. Let your interview partner know that you would be honored to listen to their story.
- Break the ice: If you’re interviewing a shy relative or friend, think of a few simple warm-up questions that will make them feel comfortable and at ease. For example, ask your grandmother about her daily morning walk, what she had to eat for breakfast, how she likes to drink her coffee, or where she was born as a way to begin the conversation.
- Tell a story: Don’t hesitate to tell a story about your interview partner, and try to bring up your favorite shared memories. This can be a time to tell your interview partner how much he or she means to you, and why you want to learn more about their story today.
- Don’t spare the details: Remind the person you are interviewing to recall special times you’ve shared together to help draw out a story. Sometimes the smallest detail, such as a particular smell or taste, can bring back a flood of memories. Ask questions that evoke these details, such as: “What did your kitchen smell like when you were growing up?” and “Did you have any family breakfast traditions on holidays or weekends?”
- Find common ground: The holidays can bring us together with people we love, but with whom we often disagree. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the relative who sees the world differently than you. Avoid trying to change their opinions or beliefs, instead use this as a chance to ask about what’s most important — family, work, love, hopes and dreams for the future. Listening can go a long way toward understanding each other a little bit better.
- Do it now and save it for later: It’s easy to put off interviewing a parent or grandparent because life is busy—especially during the holidays. But don’t wait – take one hour this year to sit down with someone you care about over a cup of coffee and ask about their life. Consider recording your conversation, using the StoryCorps App, a tape recorder, video camera, or computer you have in the house. Years from now, you will cherish being able to listen to and share the voices and stories of the people who mattered most in your life.
- Relax and have fun: The holidays can be stressful. The pressure of hosting family or cooking the perfect holiday meal can be overwhelming. Taking time to slow down and share traditions over a cup of coffee is a good way to reflect on what’s most important – your family and friends. These reflections can remind you to be yourself and help the conversation flow.
For more information on how to enter the Folgers Share a Coffee contest and for an opportunity to win an in-person, coffee-inspired reunion and other prizes, visit Folgerscoffee.com/share-a-coffee.
