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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell a story? 

No there is never any obligation or even pressure to tell a story, but there is always an open and encouraging invitation.  And often tellers find they come with no intention of telling a story but after hearing several stories and feeling safe and inspired, they step up and have a go.

Is there a theme?  

Yes there is, but the theme is meant to inspire, not to restrict, so feel free to be creative, think outside the box and if there is a story inside you, calling to be told, don't worry if it's not on theme, tell it anyway.

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Why tell a story?  

 

Taking events from our life and crafting them into a story that is part gift, part message, helps us understand ourselves better, to know who we are and where we have come from.  It helps us bring peace to experiences in order that we may tell them to an audience with resolution. It also connects us to our audience and allows us to share how we make sense of this world and our life. 

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...about attending a Story Wise Women event.

How do I tell a story?  

 

Here are some tips for telling a story:

  1. Go some where with your story, aim for a climax or a twist.

  2. Think about the structure and emotional impact of the story. 

  3. If it’s appropriate, give the characters a voice, be dramatic

  4. Think about your delivery: suspense and drama

  5. Think about how you will end your story – try to end with resolution, making sense of the events, not a lecture.

  6. Practice your story on the dog, cat, chooks … on who/whatever. 

  7. Time your story and make sure it is within the time limit

  8. Think about your audience – take them for a ride.

Also check out the blog posts on Story Ground for more tips and ideas, or sign up and receive the Story Ground ‘Seven Step Story Crafting worksheet"‘.

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Are there any rules for telling?  

Here are the guidelines for storytellers:

1. Stories must be true, personal stories i.e. they happened to you the teller. 
2. Stories must be told without notes and no longer than 10 minutes. 
3. Let kind hearts and common sense prevail - sexist, racist, misogynist and homophobic stories hurt people. Stories should also not be used to put anyone down, to take revenge or to embarrass anyone else.  
4. Stories may be recorded as audio with the aim of publishing them on a podcast, but this is only done with a tellers permission, which will be given or not, on the evening. 
5. Photos will also be taken, to help promote the next event, but will only be used if there is no objection from audience or tellers. 

 

Who runs Story Wise Women?  

Story Wise Women is run by a team of women you can read about here. 

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