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Personal Timeline
Penninah Schram, a Jewish storyteller, gives some insight on how to tap
into our personal stories. "I start with a lifeline. I draw a line across
a page. On the left side I put today's date. Without giving it much thought
or editing, I put on that line - in some kind of chronological order - memories
or moments that come to me. It could be my first day at school, the birth
of both my children, the death of my first husband, my first remembered
memory of the trauma of the hurricane of 1938, a time when I was turned
down for a job, a letter I received, a sad moment, a happy moment, whatever
comes flooding into my mind. Moments. Once there
are many tagged lines, see if there are any patterns. See if there is
a connection between them. The connection might be a person, a style of
life, or a certain theme. This can become the main storyline. Now, pick
out the highlights and the lowlights. What grabs your attention as you look at the chart? These unique moments
make up the spice. They give an arch to your story. They can be a reward
at the end of the story-journey. Spread them out - too much salt in any one
spot can ruin a meal. (Holt and Mooney)
An example of a Personal Timeline
Click for larger view
Family Life Span Chart
The family life-span chart is similar to the personal life span chart.
It is just more complicated. Instead of just one timeline, you list the
time lines of all family members side-by-side, starting with your own.
You will find a lot of over lap, but you will also see areas that were
before your birth - perfect storytelling territory. --Donald Davis.
An example of Family Life Span Chart
Click for larger view
The Talking Fork
Odds Bodkin, another well-known storyteller,
unearths an old but effective, storytelling game. This is a variation
on the "Talking Stick," a very ancient human speaking tradition. In Homer's
Iliad, warrior kings pass the ribboned staff, giving one another room
to speak. Native Americans still pass the Talking Stick from storyteller
to storyteller. Dinnertime with the family is the perfect time. The game is illustrated
as follows:
Getting Started
Use a large fork. It's only a symbol, but
a potent one. Ask: "Did everybody use a fork?"
"Good. If you just used a fork, then you owe the cook a magic memory. I will now unveil The Talking
Fork."
"I cooked this meal. And before we all leave, I want to hear some
family memories. Here's the Talking Fork. I'll go first." Then pick up
a fork around which you've tied a ribbon -- a nice, big serving fork is
good for dramatic effect -- and begin.
Set the Example
Mom and Dad, and
grandparents if they're around, can model holding the fork and telling
a story, so that children will follow. Any family story will do, but stories about your childhood are especially
interesting for children. Mention that great-grandparents and other relatives
had quirks, funny sayings, or adventures. Or tell stories about your own
children. How they acted as toddlers, or maybe what happened the day they
were born.
Praise the Fork Holder Applaud as each person finishes, no
matter what he or she says. Short story, long story, impressive story,
or simply a wisp of recollection -- doesn't matter. Applaud anyway.
(Bodkin, Odds: http://www.oddsbodkin.com)
>> The Story Stick
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