Record a personal story to share with the group.
You should speak your story in person and it’s telling should last approx. 2 minutes (if you prefer to record and publish in advance, that’s fine, otherwise it’s delivered live in session and stays within the closed group).
You should especially consider your choice of story/subject, your audience and your verbal delivery – in terms of your script, language, pace and intonation. No accompanying soundscape.
No pictures. Just a story.
In preparation for this week’s task which which will involve preparing to tell your own story, we have embedded a talk below from Lisa Potts. Lisa was awarded the George Medal after confronting paranoid schizophrenic Horrett Campbell who wielded a machete in a brutal attack on children under Potts’ care at a nursery in Wolverhampton, 1996.
Here, Pott’s talks off the attack as well as her treatment by the media since the attack.
Lisa Potts Talk #phonar by mjohnstonmedia
If you choose to, your audio should be uploaded to Soundcloud, YouTube or Archive.org (depending on how you like your Terms of Service) and tagged#phonar
Other links:
(10.49) Embedded Video at http://johnesimpson.com/blog/2009/02/ira-glasss-half-hour-master-class-in-storytelling/
http://audioboo.fm/boos/197617-beyond-the-blitz-michael-logan-s-story
“Spoken narrative” http://ioanabultoc.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/spoken-narrative/
https://soundcloud.com/theo-ellison/my-story-a-personal-journey
This is so touching.
The laughter of us in class says it all.
I think we all have similar experiences (me being the bowler, of course!)
great haha cool man,really enjoyed it..by the way we need to play some cricket
Hilarious! Your always so unique and quirky with your responses to these Phonar tasks. Always something to look forward to! Your spoken voice is full of character and emphasise, thus enhancing the humour of the narrative and the audiences engagement! Genuinely laughed. Brilliant!
https://soundcloud.com/talha075/spoken-narrative
It is difficult to hear this properly with your recording device.
There is a beautiful message behind this though of how you reflect on death- how it’s not the end.
Spoken Narrative Response:
http://sophmoet.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/spoken-narrative-task/
Wow Sophie, Very surreal to think of such accidents at a young age. It must have been hard, to think that afterward there was the second of the twins – “almost identical”. Very interesting way to narrate the story, quite deadpan and I think that is what adds to the surreal nature of the story, the almost removed, but still some feeling felt in your voice. Very well done, another strong addition to #Phonar
https://soundcloud.com/groups/phonar
sorry its here ^^
Your story comes across very vividly thanks to you describing feelings and impressions of spaces. Well done!
I really like how you left elements of the story to the listeners imagination, as opposed to exposing every explicit detail. It arouses questions and intrigue. A brave piece and I’m glad you all got justice in the end!
alex are you happy? its there… well should be 🙂
Spoken Narrative
My personal narrative
https://soundcloud.com/melissa-stapleton-1/phonar-spoken-narrative
Wow, very powerful story and delivery there! Quite similar in the tonality to Rachel’s – but different context. Love the descriptions of the event a that transpired, the mix between both vague and vivd. Initially sounding like a child’s story book, it quickly turned to reflect the loss of control. Perhaps at this point you could have left mkments of pause or a slower pace to allow for a greater absorption and contemplation over the seriousness of the moment. Brill response Melissa. Really enjoying everyone’s work!
Like Alex says the first half or the ‘adventure’ is told like a story book with stresses on words and change in pitch. You make us feel like children again when any simple journey can be made into an adventure.
Some nice adjectives used to describe the trauma which is nicely coupled with your diction: slower and contemplative.
I’m glad that you added how you are not afraid of the water after this as well. This makes your story into a fable: beware of the hidden dip, it may be deeper than you think.
Great work!
My response to Spoken Narrative –
http://heidiangelac.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/spoken-narrative/
This is lovely. It’s great to hear something a lot more positive and about the great experiences you shared with Barney. He was obviously such a significant part of your life that you remember so well when you first got him.
Why did you get sick on your birthday? Too much cake? 😛
Thank you Kate! I was in a positive mood when recording which is why I chose this memory, despite the sad ending :(… possibly too much cake, but I think it could have been over excitement haha
Brilliant response to the task Heidi, really good pace to compliment the narration. I’m amazed at the details you remember from your 6th birthday, it sounds like Barney made a real connection and was a real childhood friend, beautiful story
Lovely story Heidi. I loved you describing how your grandparents were trying to wake you up and those vivid memories you shared with Barney. I love dogs too and remember my little bro getting a puppy and seeing the joy in his eyes. I could tell you had a strong connection with Barney with the way you articulated your story. Nice one
Heidi, great story. I appreciate the first person perspective of your experiences as it was much easier as well as effective to interpret and relate to that way. Very imaginative, too, especially during the time you were ill and the tension as to whether you would be getting the puppy you always wanted.
Such a sweet and touching story! Very Marley and Me, especially when you describe how Barney saved and shared so many wonderful experiences with you during his life. Really enjoyed it!
My personal story.
http://christophertrafford.co.uk/blog/
Great adjectives and descriptions.
“it was one of the only experiences where peace was pure”
I love how you have a physical space that you can relate to like a metaphor. Thank you for sharing this Chris. 😀
Wow Chris. Really lovely story. As you read it i imagined a book win pictures of you as a young lad exploring the place and standing by the lake and walking round the corners as the sun was setting, returning to the campsite. I can relate to the idea of being excited about camping and nature and being young and appreciating simple things. I was thinking whilst listening that I hope you go back there and by the end of the story I became aware that you had gone back there. Don’t forget that place and how happy you felt there as a child. I feel the same way about Cornwall and I still go back there and act like a kid, jumping off sand dunes and scraping my toes along the sand. I think you should consider using this story as your exit module. This would excite me. Cheers Chris
Amazing response Chris, loving the comparison from yourself to the landscape in this special place, you’ve managed to portray perfectly that metaphor of the journey and changing scenery. I don’t think we’ve ever seen this physical manifestation of yourself, it as Alex put, would be brilliant to see more of in a future project. The landscape as a portrait of yourself, as the photographer. Really strikes the imagination and would love to know more!!
I really enjoyed this Chris, as it made me want to know even more about the location you were in. It was as though you were painting a picture, in the sense that you described the scene well and I’d love to go myself. I couldn’t help but think about our 1st year module where we had to decide whether we were in harmony or conflict with our surroundings, as this would suit it well. You also came across very clear with a good pace and tone.
Nice narration – you have a very calming voice
good Chris, kept it simple, easy to understand.
https://soundcloud.com/kate-green-28/phonar-spoken-narrative
I had two stories in mind, but I couldn’t find the right words for the first..
The beginning of your story set quite a strong context, even more apparent with your particular tone of voice. It was a tension of senses that puts me in your own position, not physically but instead mentally. A very clear narration of your journey to your nan sustained this tension, never releasing, until the last few sentences describing your conclusion to the events that had unfolded. Beautiful work.
Very well done! Incredible setting, great speech method. It interested me and I kept on listening. You have a knack for storytelling. You described everything, yet put yourself “physically” away. It is like in photography. Someone had to take the image we see, but we don’t perceive him/her.
My spoken narrative –
http://melissacruzsantos.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/phonar-task-3-spoken-narrative/
Lovely story Melissa. Narrated very well, it sounded as if you were smiling nearer the end as you got more and more into the conclusion. You’ve made it very easy to relate to without needing to have gone through a similar predicament & without needing a story of sorrow.
Thank you Alex!
Melissa, I love how this is just you all over.
It’s really refreshing to hear a different take on this task and one that not everyone can relate to. I like how you discuss the initial thoughts with then how you would miss home. Your character really shines through with your witty comment on the pool.
Maybe on some bits of the reflection you could slow your voice down and bit for the viewer to have time to empathise. Lovely job. 🙂
Thank you Kate, yeah I think I speak too fast…I’ll know for next time to slow down a bit 🙂
Like Kate mentioned. This is you all over. A very honest story. Made me smile when you were talking about the pool.
My story: Memory of War.
http://julianpeter.net/phonar13-spoken-narrative
This is a lovely story of how you were first met with our mortality (I guess). At one point or another we all learn that we all die and that there are such evils in the world.
Everyone’s first experience of this is very different and your story is definitely interesting to hear. I like the pauses you give, this gives time for us to get into the moment, or the moment the listener had themselves.
Thank you for the kind comment.
Indeed. I grew up right next to a cemetery, so death was always around, but in a kind of normal way, the natural death of old age or disease. War was something altogether different. One moment the person is there, alive, with memories and experiences, likes and dislikes; the next it is just an empty body. It certainly left an impression.
What is your story? And speaking of, did you do one for the task?
Julián, such a captivating story from an early childhood. Such a contrast between knowing and geeking about military armaments and vehicles, to seeing the use in real life through journalism. Can you remember much more? The experience of seeing these factual artefacts that you learnt about on paper, realising their true ferocity within real world application. Very well delivered, you appear to have a natural ability for talking or narrating about meaningful topics.
Thank you for your constructive comment. I am still into the military, it is infused strongly in my blood. Three generations before me have been in them military, two of them in the two World Wars, one not coming back. They say, aristocrats have blue blood. Mine is perhaps camouflaged or green.
I cannot really remember much more of the Balkan War. Saying I do, would be only on the background of constructed memories from later on. For example, I am sure I have seen this image (http://www.rjgeib.com/thoughts/bosnia/serb1.jpg) of a Serb militia kicking the dead bodies of Croats at that time, but I think I’ve seen it at least a bit later and then incorporated it into my childhood memories. The war which I remember quite clearly was Iraq. I was living in the US, not quite a 13-year old boy, and they would bring you a live broadcast of the “Shock and Awe” air bombing campaign. Afterwards came Youtube, and now it is not that hard to watch war as it is happening on the ground, no PC reporter softening the news. Just dirt and blood and what not…
http://am-edwards.com/blog/phonar13-creative-workshop-3-spoken-narrative/
Here is my response, however there will be another coming during the week.
Just like Caroline’s and Alex M’s stories, yours is equally as touching. So far there are various degrees of personal tensions that make each story feel different but no less received as strong, personal reflections. I felt a lot of emotional pain.
Thanks Chris, it has a lot of weight as it’s still fresh
It’s interesting how you tell two stories of grief, one of your girlfriends and of your own, in very different ways.
You speak much more fluently with your own grief; maybe this is because you have had time to reflect and that you know she died a ‘shell’ of how you remember her. Maybe telling the story being the boyfriend is harder in that respect?
You were there for her (needless to say I’m sure you and her father were close) and that shows in your narration; speaking of her reactions sympathetically as you were powerless to do anything more.
Good job, really like the contrast (with want for a much better word!!) 🙂
Although I can hear that the story was written and rehearsed, nevertheless, it is an incredible window into one’s life. Your story is very factual. You list what you did, where you went, who was involved. And this reflects (perhaps) on your own person.
What strikes me about your story is the fact, that although there are two separate story lines to say, there is still a connection between them. And no, I don’t mean death nor grief or anything like that. Imagine two circles, or better, two globes. And their meeting point, that there is you. And you are a part of both stories, both universes. If you think about for some time, then imagine, that there are billions of people who are the meeting points of many different stories. And that is how we as humans are connected.
So, it was a sad story, a sad memory, but I see in in much more, then just the event itself. Life is a collection of ceaseless moments. Everything connects.
http://carolinehascapturedit.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/spoken-narrative/
Hi Caroline. Really well told story. I had a clear vision in my head of you and your friend with the clothes on the bed and how you would get ready and hop on the bus. You painted a picture for me with your narrative. I can relate to the excitement of being that age and wanting to go out and have a good time with your friends. You are a strong person.
Thank you. I try to be strong. It’s not really until I think and look back at the things that have affected me, where I realise that you can do nothing more but to move on. As we’ve both mentioned in this task, these things have shaped us and made us who we are.
Caroline, I listened to this yesterday and I didn’t want to comment because I didn’t know how to. Can saying “it’s very strong” really be enough? I don’t really like to approach stories like yours by describing its composition and what-not, but I will say this: thank you for sharing.
Thanks Chris. I appreciate your comments and have to admit, I don’t know how to respond either, ha. Just really to say thanks for taking the time to listen. I know I could have improved on sound and pace etc a little, but I’m happy that my story has held peoples attention and left them questioning .
Caroline, this is incredibly moving as you spoke well about that ‘change’ we all experienced over ‘that summer’ except you had to face more things than you expected and that really came across when listening to you’re story. Your strength just keeps on growing x
Caroline, your story just moves me in so many ways. I admire your bravery to share such an intimate and coming of age story. Sod’s law isn’t it? You experience physical intimacy for the first time and life decides to throw you a curve ball! Nothing but admiration! Your spoken voice is a dream, which compliments this story beautifully. Bravo!
My response http://alexmasonphotography.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/phonar-creative-task-spoken-narrative/
Good pace and clear narration; I don’t know if it’s purposeful or happy incident. The small gasps of breath really add atmosphere
Thanks Alex 🙂
Alex, story telling is definitely up your street. Even though I have been in and out of class for the past two years, your intimate piece effectively communicates yourself and of what you have chosen to talk about. And like Edwards, the breathing in between sentences works well to add tension and grip to the mental images I build up as you talk about your past. If you ask me, it just can work with anyone; it shows clearly a kind of passion. Very intuitive story. JW will be proud.
Thanks Chris. Kind words. I guess I chose the topic because it is a good excuse to get a release and it is important to remember feelings from the past. It is the first time I have ever recorded myself talking about a deep and personal subject matter so to listen to it back gave me a little bit of comfort and closure to some things i want to let go of. The breathing was unintentional and was probably happening because it isn’t the easiest thing to talk about. Thanks again.
Alex we all know you are a strong guy, its hard to talk about personal things, me my self, i cant do it!! this is very emotional,i have friends in Uganda who have almost the same story…well done
Cheers Talha. Look forward to hearing yours 🙂
I have so much admiration for you after hearing your response to this weeks task. I agree with Chris, you’re a natural story teller, I instantly felt indulged into wanting to hear what you had to say, I felt so many real emotions throughout you’re story.
Not my story just yet, but if you are interested, check http://thestory.org . Treasure trove of the incredible!
Hello, here’s a story from me: http://blog.emmamarshall.net/2012/10/31/phonar-spoken-narrative-valencia/
http://alexwierzbicki.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/creative-workshop-4-spoken-narrative/
My Story
My story
http://mariyamileva.com/blog/phonar-workshop-4/
http://geneabailey.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/personal-story-phonar-task/
My personal story.
My response…
Excuse my monotone voice, to me I sound really expressive whilst recording but it always ends up the same. Oh well, this recording is surely for hand in sake. I will keep recording myself telling this story until I’ve perfected my voice control. 🙂
http://daisywarejarrett.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/phonar-spoken-narrative/
OK here is my response its a bit long but I couldn’t get it any shorter.
Be nice folks
http://kyetidman.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/task-3-2/?preview=true&preview_id=4246&preview_nonce=38562c2b87
Kye – keep telling your stories! A series in the making?
Cheers!
Leigh
Thanks Leigh. I really enjoyed working on this, think a series is defiantly the way to go. I’ll keep you posted on further development
thanks, Kye
here is my response:
http://soundcloud.com/jack-somerset/task-4-spoken-narrative-jack
Well done, Jack. Love the way you set it up – and then hop hop hop – and the reason for the outing created a natural challenge to your mum’s credibility on the phone. Great story!
Here’s my response to the spoken narrative task, a toughie I found
On the blog: http://www.photofilm.biz/spoken-narrative-phonar-task/ & on soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/dfoto/loss
A personal story:
http://leighwatsonhealy.posterous.com/phonar-4-a-personal-story
My story – a few seconds over 3 minutes… sorry JW
http://wp.me/p15YmA-QO
A story from my childhood:
http://osharpe.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/a-phonar-personal-story/
I’m all about this. I love the way you told it and the bit at the end too. Great job.
I like it, you captured the mood of the writing in how you delivered it. Glad you decided to do this one and not skip like you mentioned on your blog. Your english seems great, don’t be too hard on yourself!
🙂 Thanks Oli
I’m an early bird…. here is my task, nothing personal but my lovely accent (Another terrific experience for you) 🙂
http://goo.gl/TrQri (words enough in the task)