Digital storytelling starts with finding a story. Without a story, it becomes a news piece. So, as a facilitator, you have to find ways to get people thinking of their stories. Sometimes that’s simply having them talk to each other with a particular topic or theme in mind; other times it starts with an interview.
I’ve had many discussions with people about how digital storytelling differs from the traditional oral storytelling. The process of creating a digital story can be solitary process, with the participants spending hours in front of a screen editing. Even the act of script writing changes the process. But starting with a story circle really can make all the difference. So the story circle and getting the collaborative process going at the beginning is very important because participants need to feel confident in their story and the process if they’re also going to share it later. Participants to know that others are interested in their story; that they’re listening and their stories are relevant and important.
This short video about how to be a good listener can be helpful if the group your working needs support in this area. Workshops run best when you’ve created an environment where active listening can occur.