26/07/2017
To all future storytellers!
Needing some guidance on how to tell your story at our next event? Feeling like you might have a story but aren't quite sure how to bring it to the stage? Well, we have put together some tips & tricks to help you with just that:
Storytelling Tips 'nd Tricks from The Horse's Mouth!
1. Have a beginning, middle and end.
It might sound obvious, but it’s an important element to making a story successful. It doesn't have to be a perfectly polished ending, just find a sense of resolution, to make it have some meaning and not just anecdotal. Some kind of reflection on your experience, a throwback to the beginning or even just a reference to the theme to conclude will provide the resolution that’ll make your story shine.
2. Plan ahead.
When you know what the theme of the night will be, give it some thought beforehand. If you think you have a story, write down the key points to try and create a storyline. Find the moment of tension or conflict; how did you feel during that time and how did you feel after? Practice saying it all out loud if you have the time. Often this helps your brain to organize the events into a clearer chronological order or helps you remember small moments you might have forgotten about otherwise.
3. Don’t ignore the small things.
A great story can be about the smallest incident if the emotions involved were strong. Try and think about a moment where you almost lost it, something like crying over spilt coffee or when the Amnesty International people got you to donate 200 kr a month because they caught you in a vulnerable moment. These are the relatable moments – it doesn’t have to be revolutionary to be a gem.
4. Be human.
Make the audience root for you by being a bit vulnerable. Tell a story about a time where you might not have been at your prime, but you overcame something and gained some perspective from it. Or maybe a moment that was totally embarrassing but allowed you to laugh at yourself a little bit afterwards.
5. You don’t have to be funny to be successful.
Another maybe obvious one, but it’s a natural tendency to get up in front of the audience and want the immediate gratification of laughter. It’s good to remember that even if the audience isn’t reacting audibly, they’re still enjoying the fact that you’re telling them a story.
6. Enjoy the process.
Getting your story ready and standing up to tell it should be a nice process. So just relax and take the pressure off yourself. Sip a beer and just feel good for having a go. Even if you get a bit nervous, forget a detail or tank totally, at the end of the day, all of us are just happy to hear you having a crack. You respect people for putting themselves out there no matter what they say, so why should your audience feel any different? Trust us, they don’t.
There you have it folks! Can't wait to hear what you bring to Sunday's "Jesus Saves" event!
