Tips on Storytelling

You wrote a great story, and we loved it so much we want you to read it in public — now what?

We know not everyone feels comfortable speaking in public. Remember that this is a safe space for ordinary queer individuals who want to share anecdotes from their life — no need to feel nervous.

Below are a few tips that make sure you shine on stage. You got this!

  1. Rehearse your story. You lived it, you wrote it, you know it; but it doesn’t hurt to read it through a couple of times before the evening of the event. Keep in mind, you don’t need to memorize the story, or improvise on stage — all you need to do is read.
  2. Make sure people can hear you. Once you are on stage you get 10 minutes to tell your story, so make sure the microphone is working, then jump right into the story. No need for introductions — our event leader will make sure to do that for you.
  3. Don’t forget to breathe. Take a deep breath before you begin, and make sure to keep doing so throughout! Use every comma and every period to your advantage. Remember, you are telling a story, not speed reading. If you stumble over a sentence, take a breath and read it again. 
  4. Stick to your story. We ask you to please try not to get off track. The point of this project is to share your anecdotes around the theme, and when we approve your story, we expect you to present that same story on the night of the event.
  5. Remember, you have 10 minutes! You don’t need to keep an eye on the clock — we will do that for you. But please do make sure to practice your reading so that you don’t go too fast or too slow. 
  6. And most importantly: Have fun! This project was created to showcase and amplify the voices of everyone in the 2SLGBTQ+ community! It’s normal to feel nervous, but remember to enjoy the experience as both a reader and a listener.

We will work with all our speakers to ensure they are comfortable and ready, so don’t you fret! You won’t be thrown into the deep end without our guidance and support. We are so excited to have you be part of this project, and can’t wait to hear your stories!

If you’re ready, submit your story here! If you want to join our project but need help getting your story off the ground, send us a note through this link. We want to help you tell your story!