Prepare a four-minute story involving a parent, mom / dad / step parents / grandparents or parenting!

• Your womb of origin or the person who raised you.
• Mother love: making it all better or setting you straight.
• Daddy issues : need we say more?
• Maternal instincts and mother-powered superhuman acts. (Lifting a car, anyone?)
• Papa don't preach or is it more my father, the hero?
• Mama's boys, Daddy's girls, MILF, DILF (are we really going there?)
• Becoming a parent, recognizing the wisdom of the one you got. (Please be sure that you bring a story about a parent, not an homage.)

What is a What's Your Story Slam?

The What's Your Story Slam is a curated live storytelling competition. This is a hybrid between a showcase and an open mic story slam.

All stories must be true and lived by the storytellers. All storytellers must pitch their stories and go through coaching with creative director Anna Ong.

Storytellers have four minutes each to tell a story based on the virtual show’s theme.

Who takes part in What's Your Story Slam?

What's Your Story Slam features people like YOU entertaining the audience with the unpredictable, hilarious, and poignant turns that their lives have taken.

If you have a story to tell or want to take part in the show, please pitch your stories to Anna Ong by June 12, 2020

VIRTUAL STORYTELLING TIP

Stand (or sit) at arm's length from your microphone (which may well be your laptop).

TIPS ON LIVE STORYTELLING

First, it must be your story to tell. Were you there? Are you one of the main characters? Your involvement of the events as they unfold is essential. No journalism please.

Heads Up!

Story Slam stories are told, not read. We love how the storyteller connects with the audience without a cellphone or sheets between them. Please know your stories by “heart” by being very familiar with it. No notes, paper, cellphones are allowed on stage.

What’s at Stake?

Stakes are essential in live storytelling. What’s in it for you? Are you going to win or lose? Why is what happens in this story important to you? We want to root for you! If you can’t answer this, then think of a different story.

WHAT TO DO:

Bring in the Action!

A great first line grabs our attention and brings us in.

No: “So I was thinking about signing up for my first marathon. But then I watched a little documentary on Netflix about running, made a snack, took a nap and my mom called and vented about my dad then I did a little laundry and then I thought about it again and decided I’m going to sign up for the marathon tomorrow.

Yes: “I am wrapped under a trash bag, freezing, in the heart of Shinjuku. I am waiting for the marathon to start. I am surrounded by 2000 other runners - there's spandex everywhere!

Know your story and have fun!

Make an outline, memorize your bullet points and play with the details. Enjoy yourself. Imagine you are telling the story at a dinner party amongst close friends.

WHAT TO STEER CLEAR OF….

Avoid meandering endings.

They kill a story. You should know your last line from the start. Bring the audience with you as you contemplate on what goes on in the story. As a storyteller, you’re the tour guide. You’re the one who knows where this going. Keep your audience with you. Don't lose them!

No sales or motivational speeches

We love how motivational speakers use stories to make a point, but this isn't a Tony Robbins special, and we are not looking for the next evangelist. This isn't the place for your startup pitch.

No stand up routines please

SERIOUSLY. NO. STAND-UP. Funny people need to tell funny STORIES.

No poetry or essays

We love your lyrical words, musings and sonnets, and they look great...on paper. Unless you can make them gripping and set up stakes, they won't work.

No rants

Take your anger issue with your therapist / best friend / bartender. Tell stories you’ve already have some form of resolution with.

No key takeaways

NO KEY TAKEAWAYS. Leave your audience to come up with their own takeaways from your story.

How to Be a What's Your Story Slam Judge

Let us know! Email or seek out Anna and ply with flattery and gifts, or just ask!

Once picked, be wise and heed the rules. Judge on the simple criteria: on time, on topic, a story (not stand-up comedy, an essay, or a rant) and true.

General Admission: S$10 per household