• Our class next Tuesday will be over Zoom.
  • Over break, we need to collect a story. Our prep note after the break will be about debriefing stories
  • We started the class by talking about everyone’s plan for their story project and how we might work the reading into our story. The project will be creative, and we will create a rubric together.
  • We discussed the book
    • The book is about how the founders of Moth coach people to help them tell their stories.
    • In the narrative stepping stones portion, Mitch was struck by the metaphor of stepping stones.
    • For many people’s stories, it is easier to know the story’s end and beginning. The middle pieces of the “story puzzle” are a little more of a grey area.
    • There are three elements of a good story: Scenes, summaries, and reflection.
    • Instead of just describing something/someone, you should try to include examples of how they can be described that way. (For example: Don’t just say “My son had charisma”; you need to include examples of him being charismatic)  (show; don’t tell)
    • Pg. 107 has a good example of how stories should have some level of meaning (but we’re not writing fables)
    • There’s a difference between including some comedy in your story and doing standup.
  • One strategy for our story assignment can be to write down every detail about a story, and then shift through the details and decide what to include and what you don’t need.
  • “Nanette”: a comedy special by Hannah Gadsby is something interesting you can watch to see how humor can be used as a tool to tell a story.
  • We grouped up and talked about our stories and how to improve them.

 

  • What do we want to get out of our story project?
    • We want to learn more about our classmates and their stories
    • Maybe include 1-2 points for active listening?
    • Maybe at the end of each story, we turn in a paper that rates how engaging the story was?
    • Maybe for our final portfolio, we could talk about someone else’s story/ make a story connection?
  • 20 points total for the storytelling project
    • 5 points for skill as a listener
      •  Maybe have a test after each story (kinda): “How would you tell this story in 6 words after hearing it?”
      • Maybe just write a “Here’s what I got out of your story” note for everyone who presents?
    • 15 points for the story itself
      • doesn’t have to be shocking or deep, but the story should have substance
      • One category of points could be relatability (does the story have an applicable theme)
      • Taking time to come up with a story that does justice to the assignment is important (carefully shaped)
      • Points for putting effort into the final product? Was the story/final product polished?
      • Make sure your presentation isn’t a lecture or a list of facts
      • The meaning can be light (doesn’t have to be as serious as the boy who cried wolf”