Will Hornyak Lessons from Sheherazade: Telling Tales to Terrorism

(9:00, Little Theater)

Sheherazade was a legendary storyteller who healed the heart of a mad sultan and changed the fate of an empire by telling stories. Her feat offers a trove of ideas for stories and storytelling as change agents in the lives of individuals and societies. During this workshop we will consider four lessons from Sheherazade and how these might influence our own approach to shaping and telling stories.

Will Hornyak teaches “Storytelling in Professional Communication” and “Persuasive Storytelling” at Marylhurst Univ. in Portland and assists non-profit and corporate organizations in telling stories that reflect their values, vision and mission.

Dovie Thomason Authentic Voice and Story Choice—Finding the Story You Need to Tell

(9:00, Rm. J-47)

The three essential elements of storytelling are: the story, the teller and the listener. The way these elements interact and interplay is essential to making meaningful connections through storytelling. Join Dovie Thomason in looking at ways to select stories suited for the storytelling you want to do and the listeners you want to reach. Bring your questions, your experiences and your ideas for this highly participatory session. Dovie’s starting questions (with a deep bow to Craig Ferguson) are:

Does this story need to be told?

Does this story need to be told by me?

Does this story need to be told by me right now?

Does this story need to be told by me right here?

Norma Cameron Digging Deep to Improve Your Storytelling Skills

(9:00, Rm. E-136 in Maier Hall)

This is an intense, fun-filled, informative workshop so be prepared to participate, have fun and learn something new.

Norma will share a story at the beginning of the workshop, then using various participatory activities – including visualization and storyboarding – explain the processes to select, craft, learn and tell stories. Norma’s approach has been honed from storytelling wisdom shared by master storytellers over many years. Her hope is that you will discover a technique or two that you can use…and leave with a new story to tell.

Bil Lepp Don’t Say Too Much

(10:30, Little Theater)

All good storytelling is an extension of the front porch or supper table, which means it should be a conversation. In a conversation people are free to add to the story, or ask questions. When the teller is on stage those interruptions are frowned on, thus it is the job of the storyteller to anticipate those additions and questions. The teller needs to find the balance between too much backstory and not enough. This workshop will help you figure out how to start the story in the right place, how to decipher the essentials in character development and detail, and when to end the story.

Oba William King The Rhythm of the Word – Stories to Capture Attention and Send Them Home Singing

(10:30, Rm. J-47)

Oba will give participants several sides of the story then encourage their review and interpretations. The workshop will cover techniques for adapting stories you already know and choosing stories to fit versatile venues. Participants will have the opportunity to offer a piece for coaching, considering such questions as: Who is the audience? What are the Demographics and Theme of the Event?