What's Your Story? Become an Unforgettable Storyteller | Mechanics' Institute

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What's Your Story? Become an Unforgettable Storyteller
How to create, frame, and tell memorable stories for every occasion

Photograph of a fountain pen

This is a class co-sponsored by MI and San Francisco Writers Conference/San Francisco Writers Foundation.

In today's noisy, techie world, storytelling is not only relevant, it's vital. Why do so many of us feel disconnected in this digital age that is supposed to connect us better than ever? Why are we on social media every day? What are we searching for on Google? We are looking for the human connection that is found through telling enduring stories. Personal, ageless, inclusive, the art of traditional storytelling is for everyone. If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, author, or speaker, this class is for you. In this interactive class you will learn basic storytelling techniques and discover your storytelling style.

This class will cover:

  • Five steps to effective storytelling
  • Use of a storyboard to develop story structure
  • How to shape personal narratives
  • How to discover and tell family folklore
  • Practice storytelling skills in small groups of 2 or 3
  • Share short, multi-ethnic fables

With step-by-step coaching using basic storytelling techniques--you will find your storytelling style. All it requires is your authentic voice and a love of stories. Includes a PDF of presentation, sent after class.

 

Kate Farrell, MLS, is a graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies, UC Berkeley. She has been a language arts classroom teacher (pre-school and grades kindergarten through 12th), author, librarian, university lecturer, and storyteller in Northern California since 1966. She founded the Word Weaving storytelling project, funded by grants from Zellerbach Family Fund, San Francisco, 1979-1991: As a consultant to the California Department of Education, Farrell conducted Word Weaving staff development trainings and developed statewide, language arts curriculum. Farrell has published numerous educational materials on storytelling and is currently writing a new how-to book on the art for the general public, parents, and professionals. She is recently retired as a teacher librarian from the San Francisco public schools. Find out more at katefarrell.net and storytellingforeveryone.net.

For each class, we reserve the right to cancel at any time and issue a full refund. If you are unable to attend your class, please email [email protected] at least 10 days prior to the class to receive a full refund. All fees must be paid at the time of registration.

Classes

Admission: 
Members $25
Public $35
Register now ›
Location: 
4th Floor Meeting Room
Questions?
Information Desk - 415-393-0102
Register now by using the form below or calling 415-393-0101.

Future Classes

Mar 25 - 12:00 pm

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Apr 5 - 3:30 pm

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May 8 - 6:00 pm

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