An anecdote

Here are our top tips for telling a good story or anecdote.

Do:

  • Take time to think about the question and the story before you start talking.
  • Use narrative tenses – past simple, past continuous and past perfect.
  • Use adjectives and adverbs to make the story interesting.
  • Use sequencing words: first of all, then, after that, later on, finally, in the end …
  • Give your story an introduction. Say briefly what your story is about.
  • Give the background to your story. Say when and where it took place and what you were doing at that time.
  • Say what happened step by step. Use words like so, because and although to connect the actions until you reach the end of the story.
  • Keep the action moving!
  • Finish your story or anecdote by saying why it is important to you or why you remember it.
  • Look at your listeners.

Don’t:

  • Take too long telling the story or your listeners will get bored.
  • Use a flat or bored voice.
  • Look down or look around the room.

Examples of storytelling tasks

  • Tell me about a holiday you had.
  • Tell me about a difficult journey you had.
  • Tell me about a perfect day you’ve had.
  • Tell me about a special event in your life.
  • Tell me about a birthday you remember.
  • Tell me about a time when you lost something important.
  • Tell me about a time when you gave someone a surprise.

2 reaktioner till “An anecdote”

  1. This a story all about how my life got flipped-turned up side down.

    First of all I lived in Philadelphia where I had all my friends.
    We usually played som b-ball on the playground, then a couple a guys where up to no good, starting making trouble in the neighbourhood. I got in to a fight and mom got scared so she sent me to my auntie and uncle in Bel Air.

    I tried to stop her but she wouldn’t agree, so she gave me my ticket and a kiss and I was on my way.

    Later on I arrived on the airplane, in first class, drinking orange juice from a orange glass.

    Finally I arrived in my kingdom, where I became known as the prince of Bel Air.

    Gilla

  2. Lucky or blessing?
    Years ago in Sweden, I had a dream. My dad and mother worked and saved money, making plans for me, my brother and themselves travel to Italy. It had taken years, but they had finally saved enough money and had gotten passports for the whole family on a new liner to the Italy.

    Me and my family was filled with anticipation and excitement because we never have been there before, seven days before their departure, I got very ill and sick.

    The family’s dream were dashed. We would not be able to make a trip to Italy as we planned. My father was filled of tears because we had to cancel the trip.

    Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout the Swedish report. The pegasus plane had crashed. 4 people died and 25 got injured. Me and my family was planning to go with that plane, but thanks to my ill and sickness. We were left behind in Sweden.

    When my dad and mother heard about the news, they hugged me and thanked me for saving the family. They also thanked Jesus Christ for saving their life.

    Thank you.

    Gilla

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