In this section you will find detailed simplified instructions (step by step) on how to build up an inclusive storytelling session or event in two main phases.

1st phase: “Make your homework”

• Read this quest and the recommended sources on how storytelling can become a tool for building inclusive communities.
• Additionally, do your own research online and offline, listen to people who inspire you, and seek for resources on the internet.
• Remember what you already know and have: your work and personal experiences, studies, research you have made on the topic.
• Get prepared and organised: make a timeplan and schedule your time for going through the learning content & create your own material on inclusive storytelling.

When creating your inclusive storytelling material for your community/ learning group pay attention to the following:

• Create a space where oral real time storytelling is possible and encouraged and participants have the possibility to showcase an authentic diversity.
• Set as a goal of the session(s)/ event: getting to know each other better, without discrimination,  
• Ask attendees to create their stories: Set a timeframe & (a) topic (s) for this.
• Remind your participants that storytelling is a form of public speaking, therefore “structure, language, and oral delivery play a role in storytelling, too”.
• Let your participants tell/ present their stories.
• Engage your participants in a discussion on the stories told. Lead the discussion in a way that is non-judgmental. 
• Be cautious about giving the floor to all participants to speak. 
• Highlight as positive all different opinions and backgrounds of the participants. 
• Focus also on commonalities in the group.
• Challenge stereotypes, generalisations, and prejudice. For this the best way is to let everybody talk and have deepening questions leading the conversation.  
• Encourage them to discuss culture-related topics.
• Encourage them to talk about things and events making them proud & happy. 
• Allow participants to give feedback on what they heard and gained from the session/ event. This needs a timeslot that is planned in the agenda according to the number of participants. 
• Close the session(s)/ event with summarising questions:

What makes a story interesting? Inspiring? 

Which are the skills of a great storyteller?

What else is needed beside words  (non verbal communication, music, lights, etc)? 

Is it better to actively involve the audience in a story? 

Was the content well organised? Easily understandable?

Did the storyteller challenge his/her/its comfort zone?

Was the flow and the rhythm of the story good? 

Did the storyteller manage to hold up the attention of the audience? 

Was the intensity and the variety of the voice tone likeable? 

Were there any messages? Lessons to learn, or could you relate to any of the stories told?

2nd phase: “Plan your sessions/event”

• Plan and deliver your storytelling session(s) or event based on the suggested detailed plan found in the previous quest (Storytelling Workshop)

Important note:

Inclusivity is your priority - make an effort to reach out to vulnerable groups in your community, who may be more at risk of isolation. Remember that inclusivity is also about accessibility: your event is more inclusive when people with disabilities or difficulties in their movement can have access (both on and offline).

You can find useful information in the Resources section with tips and hints for a workshop.