Storytelling and Sochi

Storytelling and Sochi

Timpchat- Sochi-Olympics-Logo I’m watching the Olympics as I write this, speed skating to be exact. What I love most about the games is not the competition, or even watching athletes push themselves to accomplish amazing feats of strength, dexterity and endurance. What I love are the stories in all their varieties, the quests for personal triumph, the journeys of self-mastery,  stories of redemption, the tragedies, the rebirths, and defeating the monster. Heroes emerge, villains are revealed, and slow motion cameras help us to experience each heart pounding second.

 

The athletes remind us of our own races, our own struggles and the tragedies and triumphs that are playing out around us everyday. I was sitting in my car, on my way to an appointment, when I heard a story on the radio that captured my imagination and reminded me that the drama in Sochi can be seen in the day-to-day struggles all around us. Jay Mcfarland, on KSL’s The Browsers, told his story about the Showdown at the Supermarket. He and the cashier were racing to see who could unload a cart or scan the items faster. As I was listening to this seemingly ordinary moment I was drawn in by the slow motion quality of the storytelling. I was pulled into the action and on the edge of my seat waiting to see who would be the victor, which flag would wave.  Did you hear it? If not, you can catch it here: Showdown at the Supermarket.

 

There are stories all around us, waiting to be told. Whether you are an educator,  an historian, an executive, a writer, or you just want to be invited to more parties, there is something for you at this year’s Storytelling Conference. Get coaching from mentor storytellers and learn how to find, hone and tell your own stories of triumph and tragedy.

 

For more information on the conference and to buy tickets go to Timpanogos Storytelling Conference or call 801-228-1350.

Timpanogos Storytelling Conference

Timpanogos Storytelling Conference

Timpchat- conferenceHello friends! If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference, let me tell you, it is a treat. Imagine sitting with some of your favorite storytellers from the summer festival and getting to know them on a whole new level while learning the secrets of their craft. I had the opportunity to attend a series of workshops in August 2012 and it was a wonderful experience. Not only was I entertained by stories, but I also learned very practical tips for creating and enhancing my own stories. From Kim Weitkamp, I learned the importance of filling my children’s moral warehouse with stories and how to use storyboxing and memory maps to flesh out those stories. From Antonio Sacre I learned the practical realities of publishing children’s books. He also taught some great ways to gather story ideas, which has been useful in my family and personal history work as well.

 

This year I’m so excited to see what I can learn from Syd Lieberman and Kevin Kling, as well as from other storytellers and presenters who I know will become new favorites for me. While my background is in teaching, I have found that these classes are useful in my family history work, my parenting, and can be so helpful in business as well. Almost everyone has opportunities to connect with others through stories. This conference is your chance to enhance your storytelling skills.

 

The full conference lasts two days, Friday and Saturday, March 14-15th. For those whose time is limited or who just want to check out the conference, then you might enjoy the free pre-conference concert or the free workshops for teachers and family historians.  Try it, you just might find yourself recommending it to friends this time next year.

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