Ground RulesStories should be:
Stories on Tap is not:
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Tips for Storytellers
DECIDING ON A STORY
Not sure which story to tell? Tell us about a time you learned something new at an unexpected moment. Stories can be both funny and poignant, but remember that all good stories show personal growth.
SCARS, NOT WOUNDS
Catherine Burns from The Moth has a saying that the best stories are “scars not wounds.” Stories about wounds are so fresh that they’re unresolved. Try to reflect on moments in your life that you've had some time to process.
LIKE YOU'RE SPEAKING TO A FRIEND
Make an outline of your story. Memorize the main points, but get comfortable enough that you can relax with the details. Don't try to memorize every sentence. Practice your story enough that you can have fun with it. Tell it like you're speaking to a friend.
FIRST LINE & LAST LINE
Start your story with a first line that will grab the audience's attention and set the story's conflict. Memorize both your first line and your closing sentence. When you walk on stage, have your closing sentence in your head because rambling endings destroy stories. Your final line should leave your audience fulfilled and cheering for you.
"THERE I WAS..."
In telling your story, be specific. Talk about small visual and emotional details that show what you felt and saw. If you’re talking about the time you got caught shoplifting, what was the store clerk wearing? Small details like “The clerk in the blue vest approached me” and "I was scared" will go a long way in helping the listeners be a part of your story.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY!
As of 2020, Stories on Tap requires that storytellers sign up no less than 5 days before the event. Only ten storytellers will be chosen from the hat, so some storytellers may not have the opportunity to tell their story at every event. We can't wait to hear yours!
Not sure which story to tell? Tell us about a time you learned something new at an unexpected moment. Stories can be both funny and poignant, but remember that all good stories show personal growth.
SCARS, NOT WOUNDS
Catherine Burns from The Moth has a saying that the best stories are “scars not wounds.” Stories about wounds are so fresh that they’re unresolved. Try to reflect on moments in your life that you've had some time to process.
LIKE YOU'RE SPEAKING TO A FRIEND
Make an outline of your story. Memorize the main points, but get comfortable enough that you can relax with the details. Don't try to memorize every sentence. Practice your story enough that you can have fun with it. Tell it like you're speaking to a friend.
FIRST LINE & LAST LINE
Start your story with a first line that will grab the audience's attention and set the story's conflict. Memorize both your first line and your closing sentence. When you walk on stage, have your closing sentence in your head because rambling endings destroy stories. Your final line should leave your audience fulfilled and cheering for you.
"THERE I WAS..."
In telling your story, be specific. Talk about small visual and emotional details that show what you felt and saw. If you’re talking about the time you got caught shoplifting, what was the store clerk wearing? Small details like “The clerk in the blue vest approached me” and "I was scared" will go a long way in helping the listeners be a part of your story.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY!
As of 2020, Stories on Tap requires that storytellers sign up no less than 5 days before the event. Only ten storytellers will be chosen from the hat, so some storytellers may not have the opportunity to tell their story at every event. We can't wait to hear yours!