I want to tell my own story
You are curious about telling memories in your own words and want Tellby to contact you when direct storyteller research opens.
Tell my own storyTellby early family pilot
Discover the stories your mum or dad has never had the chance to tell
Tellby helps someone you love share one real story in a relaxed voice conversation. After the first session, your family receives a private story card you can read, hear and keep.
The first conversation takes about 10–15 minutes. No writing is required.
Applying is permission for Tellby to contact you only. It does not enrol or consent for your relative.
Which sounds like you?
Both paths matter. Choose the one that best describes who wants to begin.
I want to help someone I love
You would like to invite a willing parent, grandparent or older relative and help them keep a story for the family.
Help someone tell theirsThe small details are often the ones worth keeping
You probably know the big facts about your parent’s life. But what about the small details?
The kitchen they grew up in. The first person who made them laugh. The day they left home. The advice they never thought to write down.
Tellby creates the space for those stories to emerge naturally, one conversation at a time.
How the pilot works
- 1
You apply
Tell us who you would like to invite and two or three things you have always wanted to ask them.
- 2
They receive their own invitation
We explain the pilot directly to the storyteller so they can decide for themselves.
- 3
They have one relaxed conversation
Tellby asks one question at a time. They can pause, skip anything or stop.
- 4
They review the result
The storyteller can correct the draft and decide whether it should be shared.
- 5
You receive the approved story
You read it, hear their real voice and tell us what felt valuable.
After one conversation
What your family receives
Tellby prepares one editable story card, keeping the original voice alongside the written memory.
- A short written version of the story
- The original voice recording
- Space for corrections or family context
- Private sharing with the people you approve
Their choice comes first
Applying does not enrol your parent or relative. Tellby explains the experience directly to them. They can say no, ask questions, change their mind, skip a topic or stop the conversation.
No story is shared with family until the storyteller has had the opportunity to review it.
A gentle way to ask
“I found something that helps people tell one family story by talking instead of writing. I thought of you because I would love to hear more about [specific memory or person]. It is a short research session, and you would decide what to talk about and whether we get to see the result. Would you be open to reading about it? It is completely fine if not.”
Avoid presenting it as an obligation, a test of their memory or something they need to do for the family.
Who we are looking for
- You have a parent, grandparent or older relative who enjoys conversation
- They can choose freely whether to participate
- You are willing to suggest two or three questions
- You are willing to give honest feedback after receiving the story
- The two of you may live together or in different cities
- They do not need to be confident with technology
Ordinary lives and ordinary memories are welcome. Nobody needs to have an unusually dramatic story.
What we need from you
- About 10 minutes for an initial call
- Two or three questions you would love to ask
- Practical information that helps make the conversation comfortable
- A commitment not to pressure your relative if they are unsure
- Feedback after the story card arrives
Questions people may have
Clear answers before anyone is asked to take part.
Is this an AI interview?
Tellby uses a voice interviewer and AI-assisted tools to help ask follow-up questions and prepare a draft story. During this early pilot, a researcher may also guide or manually support parts of the experience. We explain what is happening before the session.
Will the story be public?
No public use is part of joining the pilot. Any testimonial, social post or public clip requires a separate invitation and separate permission from the storyteller.
Can I attend the conversation?
That depends on what makes the storyteller most comfortable. You can help with setup, but the session should preserve their space to answer in their own words.
What if they say no?
Thank them and leave it there. A willing storyteller is essential to the research.
What do we receive?
The intended pilot outcome is one approved written-and-audio story card from the first conversation.
Apply for the early family pilot
Tell us a little about you and the person you may invite. We will contact you first.
This form is permission to contact you only. It does not enrol or consent for your relative.
Please keep answers broad. Do not include medical information or detailed sensitive family topics in this public form.
Start with one story
We will speak with you first, then give your parent or relative clear information so they can make their own decision.
Applying is not consent on anyone else’s behalf.