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Storyline

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Line of people forming part of a storyline

Storyline

Engaging technique to tell a story about an experience.

  • Simple
  • Offers depth
  • Sharpens memory
  • Fosters collaboration
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Describe an imaginary (straight) timeline on the ground in front of your group, representing the beginning and end of a particular experience.
  2. To start, invite one volunteer to step forward and stand on that part of the line that represents when a particular memory (of theirs) occurred.
  3. Ask this person to briefly recount (aloud) their memory to the rest of the group.
  4. Invite a second person to stand on the line representing another memory of the experience.
  5. Then, as will be repeated each time someone new joins the line, ask these two people to briefly recount their memories starting with the earliest recalled fact through to the last.
  6. Repeat this process of adding new people to the timeline and recounting the sequence of these facts each time.
  7. When everyone is standing on the line, recount all of the facts from the beginning through to the end one final time.

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Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (2)

  1. Brian Chacha

    Used this as an after-action debrief at youth church camp. After the line and details began filling in, the energy changed and some of the shy and more quiet students jumped in to participate. We were still able to highlight and draw attention to the intimate moments but in a fun way. Great activity.

    Reply
    • Mark Collard

      This is so good to hear Brian, thanks for adding your thoughts 🙂

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