Last updated on
2024年8月14日
How do you create a safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening?
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Before you start sharing stories, it is important to clarify the purpose and the rules of the storytelling session. What are the goals and expectations of the facilitator and the participants? What are the boundaries and guidelines for respectful and ethical storytelling and listening? How will you handle feedback, questions, or disagreements? You can use a simple framework like the Story Circle Method to create a clear and democratic structure for storytelling and listening. You can also co-create the rules with the participants, or use existing codes of conduct or agreements to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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It's absolutely vital at the outset to set the topic, theme, purpose and guidelines of the story sharing. If you were to mix Trump supporters with Biden supporters on the subject of my politics, you're going to have a long day. Here it would be best, for example, to simply host two respectively separate groups for sharing.
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As storytellers, we are being allowed to enter someone's life by documenting their story, and that should always be given the utmost respect and deference. Also, shift the mindset from thinking about the people in the stories as 'subjects' to 'participants'. This changes the equity balance by allowing the participants can help guide the story and make it more of a three-dimensional perspective.
One of the key elements of a safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening is trust. Trust is built on mutual respect, empathy, and honesty. As a facilitator, you can create a trusting and supportive atmosphere by modeling positive and attentive listening, acknowledging and validating the emotions and experiences of the storytellers, and encouraging diversity and inclusion. As a participant or a listener, you can contribute to a trusting and supportive atmosphere by being open and curious, showing empathy and compassion, and avoiding judgment or criticism.
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I've always found that by remaining open-minded and naturally curious about people in general: what makes them tick, what drives them, how they identify with the world; helps to foster a rapport and trust. From that professional relationship Team Spirit will prosper and the ideas will flow.
Another key element of a safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening is participation. Participation is based on choice, consent, and agency. As a facilitator, you can encourage voluntary and authentic participation by inviting and not forcing people to share their stories, respecting their privacy and confidentiality, and providing options and alternatives for different levels of comfort and engagement. As a participant or a listener, you can encourage voluntary and authentic participation by sharing your own stories with honesty and vulnerability, respecting the stories and choices of others, and asking for permission and feedback.
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When facilitating a storytelling space, it’s important to recognize that people process differently. One way to create more access for participation is by allowing participants the opportunity to respond in writing before sharing aloud. This will allow participants to reflect and engage before sharing whole group.
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Also encourage people to draw as well as write. People frame their ideas in lots of different ways. Some may like to act it out or compose a song!
A safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening is not only about sharing stories, but also about learning from them. Learning is enhanced by feedback and support. As a facilitator, you can provide feedback and support by asking open-ended and reflective questions, summarizing and synthesizing the main points and themes, and offering resources and referrals for further exploration or assistance. As a participant or a listener, you can provide feedback and support by expressing appreciation and gratitude, sharing your insights and perspectives, and offering help and solidarity.
A safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening does not mean avoiding or suppressing conflict and tension. Conflict and tension are inevitable and can be constructive when handled with care and skill. As a facilitator, you can manage conflict and tension by acknowledging and addressing them, facilitating dialogue and understanding, and mediating or resolving disputes. As a participant or a listener, you can manage conflict and tension by recognizing and expressing your feelings and needs, listening and understanding the feelings and needs of others, and seeking common ground and solutions.
A safe and respectful space for storytelling and listening is also about celebrating and appreciating the stories and the storytellers. Celebrating and appreciating are ways of honoring and affirming the value and diversity of human experiences. As a facilitator, you can celebrate and appreciate by thanking and congratulating the storytellers, highlighting the achievements and learnings, and creating opportunities for further connection and collaboration. As a participant or a listener, you can celebrate and appreciate by applauding and cheering, giving compliments and gifts, and staying in touch and following up.
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It's critical to ensure that folks get a chance to speak on their own terms. Then step back and follow their lead. I appreciate how Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II puts it: "When you change the narrator, you change the narrative." In doing this work daily, I've seen the measurable impact of providing a platform for folks to share their experiences without interruption. We won't be able to sustain transformative change without ethical storytelling — and it's up to each of us to ensure that we're setting and meeting intentional standards within our work. That's how we shift power.
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Working with nonprofit causes, I often rely on stories to raise awareness and funds. As a storyteller you must respect the dignity of your subject at all times, never losing sight of ethics in the name of making your story more riveting. This is especially true when working with individuals who are vulnerable in some way. That takes maturity and self restraint.
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Effective communication is critical when dealing with a material shortage. This includes keeping your project team, clients, and other stakeholders informed about the situation, the potential impacts on the project, and the steps being taken to address the issue. For instance, if a material shortage necessitates a change in the project timeline, it’s important to communicate not just the delay but also the rationale behind it—whether it’s to ensure safety, maintain quality, or avoid excessive cost overruns. In some cases, a material shortage may be severe enough to necessitate a change in the project scope or timeline. This could mean scaling back certain aspects of the project, postponing non-essential features.
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