Show&Tell @ The Common

Join us for an open mic storyslam where participants bring an object dear to them, whether it’s the star of their story, a quirky sidekick, or just makes a brief cameo. It could be something they’ve had forever or something brand new. The only rule? It matters.

If the item’s lost to time or too big to carry, tellers can bring a photo—or simply paint a picture with their words. Each person picked from the hat has 5 minutes to share their story.

Not ready to share a story? No problem. One of the most important roles of the night is audience member! Bring your curiosity, generosity—and judging skills. Everyone gets to vote on the most compelling story. The winner walks away with bragging rights, a cash prize, and a spot in the annual Show&Tell Showdown.

Storytelling tips:

• Choose your story. We are interested in the story behind the object. Yes, show us the object. Tell us how it came to you. But the most important thing is to think of the story you want to tell. Why is this object important to you? How has your relationship to the object changed over time? What is the story ultimately about for you? Find a story that helps to illustrate the answers to these fundamental questions and/or shape your story around a memory that illustrates its importance.
• Help listeners to visualize your object. Remember that your story may end up on a podcast episode, so future listeners will need you to verbally describe your object. Say something about the size, color, condition, texture - anything to give listeners the ability to visualize your object. Your description can be the introduction or it can come in the body of your story; it’s totally up to you!
• Share the stakes. Good stories have stakes! Stakes can something you stood to gain or lose—perhaps something you feared or desired. Was there a time you almost lost your prized treasure? Does the object represent a time in your life when everything was in question? Why does this story MATTER to you? Identifying where you can build in stakes will help your story be more compelling.
• Set the scene. Details paint the picture, so remember to use them to really help your listeners visualize your story in their minds.
• Start strong and stick your landing! You don’t need to memorize your story, but know your first line and your last line.
• Arc your story. In every good story, there is a change - a physical or emotional change or a perspective shift. Who are you at the beginning of the story and who are you at the end? Has your object changed your life? Or has your relationship to the object changed over time? Look for those moments of change to help you create a narrative arc in your story.
• Share your feelings. Emotion is what connects us. We can relate when someone says they were so elated they felt like they were floating or so nervous they were shaking in their boots. Remember to punctuate your story with how you felt emotionally and physically. And if you feel yourself getting a little choked up when telling the story, that’s okay. The whole room is supporting you!

The Essentials:

• We like fun and edgy, but please keep your objects and stories tasteful and family friendly. (Trust us, your sex toy is not interesting to anyone but you!)
• Please keep your story to five minutes.
• Please be respectful of one another.
• Don’t touch the mic - leave it in the stand. We promise, it makes for a better recording.