Planning a storytelling event? Looking to include storytellers in your worship services? Here are some of our best (or just most typical) approaches.
Craft the ask. Over the years, we’ve low-key developed a formula. There’s a title, a subtitle (stories of…) and then a series of options that are literal and spot-on, and options that are metaphoric and the opposite of the theme. The goal is to give people as many entry points as possible:
Our theme for November is It's Not You, It's Me: stories of all kinds of break-ups. The ones you dumped, the ones who got away, the job you needed you break up with and break free from, bad theologies, cigarettes, booze... what- or who- ever it was that you broke up with.
This month, we're telling stories of Weathering the Storm. (And, sure, we may have been influenced by the Great Chicago Derecho of 2020...) Moments when you battened down the hatches, hunkered down, waited it out. Moments like, oh, right now?? [mid-pandemic!]
The theme: stories of wrestling, fancy footwork, and being on the ropes. Tell about a time when you felt conflicted: torn between options, people, or commitments. A moment when you were caught off guard, thrown off balance, or backed into a corner. Maybe you felt pinned — or like you had them pinned — but then there was a flurry of theatrics, a rhetorical (or real?) back flip, and BAM! a body slam.
Reach your people. Direct asks are always most effective. Make your broad ask — “we’re looking for storytellers!” — but reach out to people who you think might be game. There are people in your community with relevant skills: writers, people who keep journals, people who are good conversationalists. (There are also people who will surprise you, so be open to all kinds of tellers!) You can also reach out to people whose stories you know simply from being in relationship with them, and ask if they’d consider crafting a public version of their story. In a direct ask, share why you think it’s a valuable project, and invite their participation. (A common line we use: “We’d love to have your voice in the mix.”)
You can also consider contacting people who you’ve already heard tell a public story, even if you don’t know them. Performers are often looking for places to perform, and folks from beyond your community will broaden the scope of your event, and can further vary the voices.
Book ‘em! Secure folks’ participation by telling them what to expect, and asking them to commit to a timeline. If you’ll be gathering to rehearse or otherwise workshop stories, if you want to see or hear drafts of stories, share that timeline up front and set expectations. There are often unforeseen last minute changes, of course, but when you’ve got enough settled in advance, it’s easier to roll with those changes!