Storytelling Guidelines

Do you have the perfect story for an Ex Fabula event? We’ve prepared some guidelines to help you successfully share your story with an audience. We can’t wait to hear your story!

Ex Fabula is a forum for true storytelling, not ‘stand up’ comedy, pontification, political diatribes, poetry or fiction. Please save those for other venues and bring us your great stories.

We also do not allow props – we have occasional “Show & Tell” events, but our main series is just a “Tell” event so leave your props at home.

Please note for Ex Fabula Season 2  – all Solo storytellers are selected at random from those volunteering to tell the night of the event. Only selected 2-person stories will be prearranged, so contact us in advance if you have a 2 person story to share. Feel free to show up the night of with a 2-person story if you want to try your luck in the hat.

The crowd at Turner Hall. Photo by Kat Berger.

How to prepare for “The Solo”

1. Pick a story that you love. Your story should be true, personal, and related at least peripherally to the theme.
2. Tell it to several different people to gauge interest.
3. Write it out. At minimum, create an outline. Focus on the moments that push the story forward; cut meandering tangents that don’t.
4. Edit. Ask yourself:  How did this experience change me? Include places for self-reflection in your story.  How is this story universal? What larger themes does my story touch upon? Does my story have details that make the story come alive? Add them.
5. Pare the story down to an outline with a clear beginning (may tie into the theme), several plot points or turning points in the middle, and a clear ending (that resolves the story) including the final line of your story. Don’t be afraid to get into the emotional meat of your story right away. The audience will always be very supportive so there’s no need to warm them up.
   
6. Rehearse your story. Time yourself; trim the story as needed so it is 4½-5 minutes long. Please note that you will be cut off if you exceed the allotted time. Practice out loud until you can tell it without notes, props or cues in under 5 minutes. When you think you are ready, rehearse some more.
7. Sign up for a chance to tell your story at least 15 minutes before the event.  Storytelling spots are limited and selected at random; if your name isn’t picked, please come to our next event!

How to prepare for “The Duo”

The Duo preparation is very similar to that which is done for The Solo, except that the two storytellers should select the story together.

1. Think about shared experiences that the two have had that somehow relate to the theme.
2. Pick an event where your experiences and/or your memories of the event are vivid and complement each other’s recollection.
3. Prepare your story together and practice it a couple of times. Storytellers should alternate moving the story forward and both tellers should actively participate in telling the story together.

How to prepare for “The Rashomon”

Rashomon preparation is very similar to that which is done for The Solo, except that the two storytellers should select the story together.

1. Think about shared experiences that the two have had that somehow relate to the theme.
2. Pick an event where your experiences and/or your memories of the event differ somewhat.
3. Then, each storyteller should prepare their story.

How to prepare for “The Terkel”

Do you have a burning question that you’ve always wanted to ask someone you care about? Does it relate to the theme? Spring it on them during the Terkel.

Prepare yourself

1. Select an interviewee that enjoys talking about their life
2. Choose an event or a period of time from your interviewee’s life
3. Think of several questions about the event, taking into consideration the theme
4. In addition to questions about who, what, where and when, make sure to have “why” and “how” questions that probe deeper

Prepare the interviewee

1. Let them know that their answers may involve personal disclosure – in fact, that’s what we want!
2. Ask them to think about the event or period of time in preparation, but don’t reveal your best questions – we’re looking for some spontaneous reactions and answers

During the interview

1. While on stage, follow a story that emerges
2. Reel in your interviewee if they start rambling or straying from the interesting parts
3. Ask questions to clarify the details of the story if things get confusing
4. Help the interviewee to reflect on the story they are telling by asking follow up questions. For example: “What surprised you about the experience?”, “How did that make you feel?” or “Did the experience change you? How?”

Resources

Read:

This American Life’s Ira Glass on storytelling: http://bguest.blogspot.com/2012/03/storytelling-tips-from-ira-glass.html

The Moth Story Tips: www.themoth.org/storyslams_participate

Listen:

This American Life podcast: www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Podcast.aspx

The Moth Stories & Podcast: www.themoth.org/listen#outreach, www.themoth.org/podcast

StoryCorps interviews: www.storycorps.org/listen