Tell all the truth but tell it slant
-Emily Dickinson
Slanting reality is a storytelling technique to tell the full emotional reality of our experiences and beliefs.
A story slant is the creative re-visioning of a tough and important life experience, re-framed with plucky animal heroes or supernatural battles. Story slanting encourages imaginative embellishment and exploration of the deep truths of metaphor and symbolism. Your story becomes an alchemy of fact and feeling; a way to tell the whole truth.
Story Slant workshops are places for creative play where we delve into imaginative space. Storytellers are safe to explore and are encouraged to experiment. I cultivate space for curiosity where we discover the bravery and magic threaded through our lives. We remix archetypes and story forms to ruffle the hegemony and create outside the lines. This reflective, therapeutic process of re-casting marginalized pieces of our personal history helps us build deep understanding while honing story-craft and public speaking skills.
Individual and small group Story Slanting workshops are intellectually grounded and emotionally resonant. We explore the types and structures of performed story and then craft our own. You will imaginatively re-shape an event of heartbreak, embarrassment, or confusion from your life and transform it into an empowering tale you can tell. We will cover essential public speaking skills to give you confidence to share your tale, whether your audience is gathered around the family dinner table or in a busy auditorium.
From Workshop to the Wider World
Previous participants have used the stories they’ve created in my workshops to craft dance performances, write college essays and children’s books or to boost their confidence for Storytime with their kids.
The Power of Witness
You are not required to tell your story publicly, though I encourage partnered or small group sharing in workshops because the act of telling your story aloud to other people is an important step to close the loop on the process.
Storytelling Belongs to Everyone
You do not need to be a writer or performer to be a storyteller. You just need to have imagination and willingness to engage with a sense of wonder and creativity.
Workshop Opportunities
I offer multiple formats to fit any group need.
01
Small Groups
Are you planning a big birthday and want to go boldly into your new year? Do you have an upcoming reunion or a team building or creative group excursion planned? Are you preparing for a wedding, graduation, memorial or another big right of passage?
Workshop cohorts number between two and ten people. We gather in a cozy spot to work together in a focused one to two-day intensive or a more in-depth weekly workshop. Let’s connect to make plans!
02
Large Groups
In my hybrid interactive lecture/workshop for larger groups I take a broad overview of historical storytelling arts while introducing ways the audience can engage the skills to craft their own story.
We explore the foundational elements of the practice while performing brief solo, partnered or small group exercises to apply the ideas of oral folklore to our own story example, whether a person chooses to use a familiar folktale or to experiment with “story slanting” their own personal life event.
03
For Individuals
You can join open enrollment for small group workshops or attend an interactive lecture.
If you don’t want to wait for an open enrollment, let’s connect to set up a way to work together on your story and finding the ground on which you can stand firm and tell it.
This will forever influence and inspire my work. Thank you for your generosity, encouragement and guidance.
Halie
Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions you might have…
What do you mean when you say you’re a Narrativist?
Stories animate our world. We shape our understanding of the world with stories. We learn about one another by hearing each other’s stories. We can learn about ourselves the same way. When we review our own past experiences, we can trace the bright thread that winds through it all to uncover our unique self.
Why is Storytelling Important?
There is a reason storytelling is one of our oldest continuing arts. We are meaning-making animals and we thrive on tales that help us make sense of the world. By sharing the art of story we strengthen ourselves and our community.
How do I know if I’ve got a story to tell?
I’m certain that you do. We tell stories all the time. Around the dinner table or with colleagues at work or when we meet someone new at a party. If you’ve ever fallen in or out of love, had a fight, lost or won something or learned any kind of lesson, then you have a story to tell.
What if I’m not a writer or a performer?
No problem! Curiosity and imagination are the most important tools you’ll need. A willingness to dig into creative introspection is a huge benefit for Story Slanting also
Where can I use my story?
Past participants in my workshops have used their stories to create depth in their personal art process or to share in casual social situations. Workshop participants have choreographed dances, written college essays and children’s books or boosted their confidence telling bedtime stories to their kids.
Can I send you my story to read/review?
When you take a workshop with me, we work through your story together. If you are not a workshop participant, we can chat about consultancy opportunities.
Are you willing to be interviewed for a podcast or publication?
Sure, I’d love to chat! I’ve got over a decade of podcasting experience, so I’m versed in all the pops and clicks and speaking etiquette
Still have a question?