Download Storytree's printable storytelling tips!
These are tips that will help you to capture and tell stories. Telling stories shouldn't be difficult or intimidating - it should be fun! Here is how to do it.
Think of a specific event or memory that you can recall.
A good story includes these elements: Who, When, Where, Why, What, and How. Talk about who was involved in this event - your parents, your friends, your pets? Set the context by saying when and where this took place - in your house when you were little, in a country you were visiting in college, on vacation with your family? If there were events leading up to this memory, talk about them too. That can help explain why you were in this particular situation. Finally, the most important parts of a story are what happened and how did it happen? While talking about this you can mention whether there was anything special about it, how you felt, how it affected your life, and why it might be an important memory for you.
Be conscious about your surroundings.
2. When recording a video, sit about 2-3 feet away from the camera. If you are outdoors make sure it's not too noisy where you are recording. If you are indoors, make sure the lighting is adequate. Talk loudly and clearly and when you are finished recording you can replay the video if you want before posting it to your StoryTree.
Take time to think about what your are going to say.
Don’t worry if you can’t think of a story or are not sure where to begin - this happens to all of us! Here’s a tip - try writing down a few important details of the story. They don’t have to be in order, just jot down as much as you can remember. Reading through your outline will make it easier for you to formulate the story in your head. You can rearrange or add stuff to the written outline as you remember other details of the story. You can use your notes as a guide when you’re recording the story.
Tell a story with company.
If you are feeling too intimidated by the camera, here’s a useful tip - grab a friend who may also know the story or who you’d be willing to share the story with and tell the story together! You can even record the story as a conversation between you and your friend.
If you want to you can just record audio.
If you are self-conscious of the camera or do not want to be video recorded, just turn the camera off! This way you can still record your voice telling the story without appearing in the video.
Storytree documents your family history.
StoryTree is a way for you to share interesting things about your life with the rest of your family. Try to think of experiences you had or any advice that you may want to archive in your StoryTree for current and future generations of your family. This is a place for YOU to contribute to your documented family history!