Description
We all are collections of stories. Stories shape our reality and define our identities and lives. Accordingly, those who master the art and craft of storytelling have a great advantage in communication, are more effective in their work, and are more successful in their social life.
Moreover, if storytelling is important for anyone, it is fundamental for those who make communication their daily professional activity, teachers for instance. This course will introduce the participants to the core features of storytelling by examining stories from the oral tradition, as well as contemporary and technology-based stories from movies, comics, and video games.
The course will cover topics like story structures (i.e., what makes the “bones” of a successful story), and how to engage an audience regardless of the medium used. Together, we will explore the development of myth, the “stories that always are, but never happened” (Sallustius), how deeply rooted they are in the collective unconscious (Jung), and what are the links with popular formats, such as fairy tales or contemporary comics or hit movies, including the work on the “Monomyth” by Joseph Campbell.
Every topic will have a strong experiential phase, and participants will have the opportunity to practice what they learned immediately. The course will encourage participants to tap into their potential as narrators and creators of stories and become effective communicators who master a variety of tools for storytelling.
By the end, the participants will be more aware of the immense power stories have in everyday life, and will be able to use this understanding to improve their attitude, as well as their professional and personal life.
Learning outcomes
Participants in the course will learn to:
- Identify the principles, structures, and elements of storytelling;
- Distinguish different formats of stories;
- Create stories as a single author or as a group;
- Use storytelling in their teaching and educational activities;
- Exploit storytelling for their personal development;
- Improve their public speaking and effective use of voice, body, and environmental factors;
- Acknowledge the impact of stories on contemporary culture.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction & setting goals
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities for trust and group building;
- Identification of needs and goals for each participant;
- Presentations of participants, their schools, and the trainer;
- First Introduction to Storytelling, creation of short “Fairy Tales”.
Day 2 – Storytelling
- Storytelling models, from myth to classics to the contemporary age;
- Storytelling games to inspire creativity and quickly generate stories;
- Public Speaking workshop with feedback from the trainer and the group.
Day 3 – Incorporating audiovisuals
- Audiovisual storytelling: how to integrate videos and cinema in educational activities;
- The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell, introduction to the model and application;
- Practice – write and share a Hero’s Journey.
Day 4 – Illustrations
- Basics of Illustration and Drawing: how to use visuals to make your sessions more engaging;
- An introduction to comics;
- Practical experience: tell your own Origin Story through Drawing and Comics.
Day 5 – Sharing stories in the group
- Digital education and educational videogames: an overview;
- Practical session on oral storytelling: sharing stories in the group;
- Where to find extra resources.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.