Course handoutCulture and storytelling
Telling your story, your way
How stories are shaped and shared — and choosing what, and whether, to share.
Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training
Key takeaways
- 01Most stories have a person, a place and something that changes.
- 02Your story belongs to you. You choose what, when and whether to share.
- 03Good listeners respect privacy and never pass a story on without permission.
In this course
01What makes a story
- 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
02Storytelling traditions across cultures
- Spoken stories passed between generations
- Songs, poems and sayings
- Pictures, textiles and other crafts
- Letters, diaries and books
03Choosing what to share
- 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
04Telling a story to a group
- 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
05Listening to other people’s stories
- 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
Talk it over
- What makes a story stay in your mind long after you hear it?
- How were stories shared in the family or community you grew up in?
- What helps you feel comfortable sharing a story with a group?
- How can a group show respect for someone who chooses not to share?
Reflect
Think of a small, happy moment you might like to share. What would the beginning, middle and end be?
If you ever want to keep something private, how would you like to say so?