Level: Awareness, Novice, Intermediate
Time Limit: Three minutes
Audience: You have decided to take the trip of a lifetime, sailing as a passenger through the Greek Islands for a month without anyone you know. Nine other people that have chosen the same vacation. You come together for a meet-and-greet. Directly afterward, you attend an orientation where each passenger must deliver a short speech by briefly explaining who they are and sharing a significant story that was instrumental in molding their character.
Instructions:
1. Think of your life on a timeline.
2. Consider your audience.
3. Identify the key moments you will highlight.
4. Create some tension by revealing a struggle you had and how you resolved it.
5. Construct the story being sure to share vivid details: who, what, where, how and why. Be vulnerable open up about your experience. Include a hook, emphasize the conflict, and conclude with impact. Consider if it is the right length.
6. Practice telling the story as often as possible.
Purpose: Examine your stories; rewrite the script if necessary. Practice your ability to speak about yourself personally. Practice the art of telling a story.
Skills to Practice: DP2: Project, DP5: Pause, DP6: Engage, DP9: Dance.
Example: Sorry, this is your story! It just doesn’t work if you tell somebody else’s.