The last few years have been rough and have reminded us that time with loved ones is precious. But we all know that time with loved ones is not always easy. In our polarized and rapidly changing world, political disagreements, and opposing worldviews can make it hard to connect. Despite all of this, you love each other and you want the time you have together to be meaningful. So we developed this storytelling guide to help you connect and really get to know and understand each other better.
Use the questions below to facilitate a go-around at your holiday table, or share over the phone if you are not gathering in person. If you are the performing type, maybe you want to host an open mic night and have people share. Do what feels right. The point is to facilitate connection with the people you love. This doesn't mean to shy away from challenging conversations, it means to spend time connecting with each other first.
Share a favorite musical memory. Maybe a moment when music really moved you; or the story of your first concert; or a song that makes you feel nostalgic and why.
When was a time that someone offered an important lesson for you growing up? Who was that person? Tell us about that moment.
When did someone really show up for you in your life? Share about the experience and why it was important to you?
When telling a story, you want to take us back to the moment and show us what was happening. Use images, specific details and emotions. Don't just tell us what happened, show us!
Storytelling can feel vulnerable. Make it standard that when someone finishes sharing their story you all say, "Thank you for sharing."
Set a timer and pass it around the table as people share, so the person sharing is in charge of wrapping up their story. Make sure the timer volume is up.
Hi! We are Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen (and that is our baby Roman in the middle). We are the founders of the Million Person Project and we made this guide for you based off our book, How Your Story Sets You Free. If you want more storytelling tools and tips, get your copy.