Story Mediums
Media comes from the word medium; in fact, it simply means more than one medium, or pathway. In this sense, medium simply means a channel of communication, or the way in which an idea (or story!) is shared.
Humans have been telling stories since we were dwelling in caves. We spoke in verse to memorize, relate, inspire -- even to conspire. We painted and drew to illustrate these same stories. We developed the capacity to write down these stories, only to eventually animate them through digital technologies. Humans have never stopped telling stories; rather, the medium in which they are told continues to evolve.
Spoken Stories
Humans have been telling stories since they could talk. Whether the stories were as trivial as tribal gossip or as profound as an explanation for how the world was made, humans have told each other stories in order to make sense of how we got here and how we should live.
Illustrated Stories
Hieroglyphs, petroglyphs and cave paintings are the oldest records that we have of human storytelling. And our love for images remains: many modern stories are told with a combination of words and images.
Written Stories
Did you realize that humans have only been reading and writing on a large scale for the past 200 years? It was only with the introduction of the printing press in the 16th century that written stories became a medium used often by humans. From pamphlets to newspapers, magazines and books -- we've become hooked!
Digital Stories
Digital storytelling is the biggest thing to happen to storytelling since we developed the written language. From digital photography to CGI graphics, technological developments in the past decades has forever transformed the way we tell and encounter stories.
Spoken Stories Series:
Workshop Recordings
All three recorded workshops in this series are available below. The workshops are interactive, so be sure to press pause and participate when prompted to do so. Any questions -- don't hesitate to email your youth librarian, Carissa (cdevine@monocolibraries.org).
Workshop I - Spoken Stories: Now & Then
You'll be prompted to interact during this recorded workshop. You can find the links to the interactive platforms here:
Share what you took away from Christian Garland's story-slam, My Grandfather's Shoes on Padlet.
Spoken Stories Menu
Use this menu-board for ideas on how you can get started creating your own Spoken Story (you can right-click and save the image). You might write your piece first but plan to deliver it out loud. Alternatively, if you're not into crafting your own story, consider investigating the way a folktale or legend has shifted over time -- from its oral origins to its written or digital version.
Workshop II - Speak the Speech: Elocution, Diction & Projection
Wanna learn how to use your voice so that you are heard? Check out this recorded workshop with Marcy Murray, a local resident and actress living in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Be ready to pause and interact when prompted to do so!
Workshop III - The Power of Spoken Word
Looking for an outlet to share your thoughts? Check out this workshop on Spoken Word, also known as Poetry Slams. Whether you're wanting to improve your rhythmic, vocal delivery or just wanna release your feelings, Spoken Word is a powerful way to share your story with others.
#MonoJournalBox
The #MonoJournalBox is a box full of FREE journaling goodies . We hope it inspires you to start writing regularly, whether it's simple doodling, releasing how you're feeling, recalling what happened in your day or reflecting on a particular thought. Getting into the habit of regular writing can work wonders!Get yours at your local library. Also available at the MHS library.Follow @monolibraries395 for twice weekly journaling inspiration (or scroll down to access the Social Feed from the Insta account directly on this page!).
Explore More
Check out some of the ways you can tap into the power of your voice. #OwnVoices #TellYourStory
My Honest Poem - Rudy Francisco
A beautiful example of self-examination delivered in spoken word.
Brave New Voices
Spoken word, or poetry slams, have made an impressive comeback in the past two decades. Check out some of the performances from the Brave New Voices collection, the largest youth spoken word collection in the world.
Storycorps
Storycorps is an independent organization that aims to “preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.” They collect stories by interview, which are recorded and sometimes turned into short animations. Discover more of their stories on their website.
TheMoth
The Moth is an organization that started 20 years ago, aiming to capture and celebrate the commonality of the human experience through the art of storytelling. Focusing on the personal narrative, the Moth has brought the StorySlam to the stage! Find more stories on their website!
Snow Tha Product - Bilingue
A stand-out example of enunciation, Snow Tha Product exemplifies the power of this delivery technique in both English and Spanish in this song.
The 7 secrets of the greatest speakers in history | Richard Greene | TEDx
Listen to Richard Greene discuss the techniques used by the greatest speakers in history.
Emma Gonzalez - March for Our Lives Speech
As mentioned in the Speak the Speech workshop, Emma Gonzalez has placed herself on the map of powerful, effective speakers. She is a fantastic example of voice from your generation.
Compiled by Joy Harjo, 23rd Poet Laureate
Joy Harjo is the first Indigenous Poet Laureate in the US and a member of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation. She reflects, "The poets are the truthtellers. They tell the truth that has roots in the spiritual realms and has roots in the very earth itself, in the original teachings. I always like thinking of a poem like a house, or like a pocket; it can hold time. It can hold many different kinds of time. It can hold the questions we can’t answer. It can hold the grief that we have no words for, and it can hold joy.” Click on the image above to explore the interactive map she helped create in order to celebrate and share native poetry from across the country.
