Telling America's Story

"Storytelling" Tips and Reminders Try various ways of telling the story. Through the process of writing and eventually telling the story you will find new ways to present the story. Try various ways to begin and end the story. Make sure your transitions link each new idea. It is fun to shape a story. Take risks and practice new ways of both writing and telling the story. Don't just examine one account. Try to find as many viewpoints that you can for the story. Since we all view history differently, find as many people or books as you can that talk about your subject. New eyes will help you have new ways of discovering "National Youth Storytelling Showcase". The more information you have, the easier it will be to write the story. Check for Authenticity of Events. Do your own research to verify the facts and/or details related to your story. Have fun with the story. Make sure this experience is fun. Remember, the more time you put into the development of the story, the more you become invested in the story. Have a Listening Partner. Practice in Public. Perform your story before a collective group of people and from this performance(s) make your video. Develop a timeline for interviewing (if necessary), reviewing the information, writing the story on paper, practicing/presenting the story orally, adjusting the story as needed, and practicing prior to the final taping of the story in a live performance.