How to tell a story

If you would like to tell a story on The Porch, contact Derrick Clements here.

Crafting your story

All good stories follow interesting characters through high stakes, conflict, and resolution.  No matter how fun or important the idea behind your story is, if it lacks any of those four essential elements, the story is not going to work onstage.

Stories must be based on your own real experiences.  A few key beats should be thoughtfully planned and rehearsed.  Notes are discouraged.  At 10 minutes, you will be signaled to wrap it up.

Humor can be a powerful tool in your story, but it should not trump the storytelling.

Stories that challenge the audience are encouraged–one reason why people come to watch The Porch is to gain a new perspective–but in order for this to be successful, storytellers must first win over the audience by relating to them.  Push the audience’s expectations and limitations of comfort, but do not alienate them before you get a chance.

For your information

• Storytellers on The Porch are not paid.  However, feel free to promote your blog or other project.
• Storytellers retain all creative ownership of the content of their stories, but not the recordings, which may be published by The Porch on the podcast and/or elsewhere.