The lesson
01
What makes a story
Most stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. There is usually a person, a place and something that changes. A story can be long or very short. It can be about a big event or a small everyday moment.
Small details bring a story to life. The smell of a kitchen or the sound of a street can help listeners feel they are there. You don’t need special words. Your own way of speaking is enough.
- A person or people at the centre
- A place and a time
- Something that happens or changes
- A reason the story matters to the teller
02
Storytelling traditions across cultures
People all over the world have shared stories for thousands of years. Some traditions are spoken aloud and passed from older people to younger people. Others use song, dance, poetry, pictures, weaving or writing.
Traditions also differ within a culture. Each family and community has its own ways. Some stories are only for certain people or certain times. It is respectful to ask before retelling a story that comes from someone else’s culture.
- Spoken stories passed between generations
- Songs, poems and sayings
- Pictures, textiles and other crafts
- Letters, diaries and books
03
Choosing what to share
Your story belongs to you. You decide what to share, who to share it with and when. You can share a small part and keep the rest private. You never have to talk about painful memories or your personal history to take part.
You can also change your mind. If you shared something and later feel unsure, you can ask for it not to be passed on. A good group respects that choice without asking why.
- Share only what feels right for you
- A light, everyday story is just as valuable
- Saying “I’d rather not” is always okay
- You can change your mind later
04
Telling a story to a group
Telling a story aloud can feel nervous at first. It helps to choose one moment rather than a whole life. Think about how it starts, what happens and how it ends. An object or photo can help you remember.
Speak slowly and pause often. Look up at your listeners when you can. It is fine to use words from your first language and explain what they mean. Stories told simply are often the most powerful.
- Pick one moment, not your whole life
- Practise once, alone or with a friend
- Use an object or photo as a prompt
- Speak slowly and take your time
05
Listening to other people’s stories
Listening well is a gift. Give the speaker your full attention. Let them finish before you ask a question. Show interest with your face and body, not only with words.
The story belongs to the person who told it. Don’t repeat it to others without their permission. If someone becomes upset, let them pause or stop. You don’t need to fix anything. Being kind and patient is enough.
- Put your phone away and give full attention
- Ask gentle, open questions
- Don’t pass a story on without permission
- Let people stop at any time