Adapted from The Moth

Firstly: Story Swap stories are told, not read. We love how the storyteller connects with the audience when there is no PAGE between them! Please know your story “by heart” but not by word for word memorization. Watching you panic to think of the next memorized line is harrowing for the audience. Make an outline, memorize the bones of the story, then play with fleshing out the details. Do not bring notes, paper or cheat sheets when telling. Enjoy yourself.

Have some stakes. Stakes are essential in live storytelling.  What do you (or your main character) stand to gain or lose? Why is what happens in the story important? If you can’t answer this, then tell a different story. Without stakes you have an essay, speech, lecture, or at best an anecdote – not a story.

Start in the action. Have a great opening that sets up the stakes and grabs attention quickly.

No: “So I was thinking about climbing this mountain.  But then I watched a little TV and … then I thought about it again and decided I’d climb the mountain the next morning.”

Yes: “The mountain loomed before me. I had my hunting knife, some trail mix and snow boots. I had to make it to the little cabin and start a fire before sundown or freeze to death for sure.”

Have a clear, concise ending. It makes a story! Your last line should be clear in your head before you start.

Keep your story under 10 minutes. There are many who want to tell stories, so we ask you to limit yourself and allow time for others. Practice your story with a friendly audience at home, and make sure it is under 10 minutes. Edit as necessary.

No standup routines please. A funny STORY is welcome at story swaps, this is different from a string of jokes or one-liners.

No rants. Take up your anger issue with a therapist, or skip therapy and shape your anger into a story with some sort of resolution. (Stories = Healing!)