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Show Me a Story:Digital StorytellingShow Me a Story:
Digital Storytelling
Lisa SpiroFondren Library, Rice University
[email protected] 2008
Lisa SpiroFondren Library, Rice University
[email protected] 2008
Foundation: Your experience with stories
Foundation: Your experience with stories
“we tell ourselves stories in order to live”
– Joan Didion
Think of some of your favorite stories—oral, cinematic, written, etc.
What makes them so darn good?
“we tell ourselves stories in order to live”
– Joan Didion
Think of some of your favorite stories—oral, cinematic, written, etc.
What makes them so darn good?
OutlineOutline
What is digital storytelling? Why is it important? What are the elements of an effective digital
story? How do you make a digital story?
What is digital storytelling? Why is it important? What are the elements of an effective digital
story? How do you make a digital story?
What is a story?What is a story?
“a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader”
Storytelling is human: “Storytelling connects people. It connects hearts. It helps answer questions like: Who am I? Who are my people? With what values did they live? How should I live?” (Penninah Schram)
Told through: Words Pictures Movement Music & sound
“a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader”
Storytelling is human: “Storytelling connects people. It connects hearts. It helps answer questions like: Who am I? Who are my people? With what values did they live? How should I live?” (Penninah Schram)
Told through: Words Pictures Movement Music & sound
Defining digital storytellingDefining digital storytelling
“Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights.”--Leslie Rule, Center for Digital Storytelling
Typically a digital story is personal Can also refer to interactive stories–
games, hypertext, personal blogging, etc.
“Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights.”--Leslie Rule, Center for Digital Storytelling
Typically a digital story is personal Can also refer to interactive stories–
games, hypertext, personal blogging, etc.
The significance of digital storiesThe significance of digital stories
We learn & remember through stories (see research by Roger Schank, for example).
Digital stories relate ideas and experiences in a compelling, often deeply affecting way
Digital stories appeal to multiple senses—vision, hearing, kinesthetic
Digital storytelling advances 21st century literacy, which includes visual, technological, & information literacy
Knowledge communities are built around stories
We learn & remember through stories (see research by Roger Schank, for example).
Digital stories relate ideas and experiences in a compelling, often deeply affecting way
Digital stories appeal to multiple senses—vision, hearing, kinesthetic
Digital storytelling advances 21st century literacy, which includes visual, technological, & information literacy
Knowledge communities are built around stories
Advantages of digital storytelling for the storyteller
Advantages of digital storytelling for the storyteller
Prompts reflection and self-understanding
Great way to learn digital tools Engages the producer in thinking
through how to make a narrative Make the “movie in your mind”—
memory is often multimedia Builds community
Prompts reflection and self-understanding
Great way to learn digital tools Engages the producer in thinking
through how to make a narrative Make the “movie in your mind”—
memory is often multimedia Builds community
Challenges Challenges
Picking the right topic Getting to the essence of the story Finding the right (copyright-free) images &
music Putting the story together gracefully, so that the
soundtrack provides the emotional foundation but does not overwhelm
Getting the hardware & software you need (but there are many perfectly good cheap options)
Picking the right topic Getting to the essence of the story Finding the right (copyright-free) images &
music Putting the story together gracefully, so that the
soundtrack provides the emotional foundation but does not overwhelm
Getting the hardware & software you need (but there are many perfectly good cheap options)
Seven Elements of Effective Storytelling*
Seven Elements of Effective Storytelling*
Point (of View) Dramatic Question Emotional Content Voice Power of the Soundtrack Economy Pacing
* according to the Center for Digital Storytelling
Point (of View) Dramatic Question Emotional Content Voice Power of the Soundtrack Economy Pacing
* according to the Center for Digital Storytelling
Point (of View)Point (of View)
What is the main idea behind the story? What is the storyteller trying to communicate? What perspective is adopted by the storyteller? Use first-person to create a more intimate story
and claim responsibility Example: “The Joy of Research”:
http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/index.html
What is the main idea behind the story? What is the storyteller trying to communicate? What perspective is adopted by the storyteller? Use first-person to create a more intimate story
and claim responsibility Example: “The Joy of Research”:
http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/index.html
Dramatic QuestionDramatic Question
Dramatic tension/conflict What question is the story trying to
answer? How is the story structured? How is it
resolved? How are the audience’s expectations
met or challenged? Example:
Kerry Ballast’s Rituals
Dramatic tension/conflict What question is the story trying to
answer? How is the story structured? How is it
resolved? How are the audience’s expectations
met or challenged? Example:
Kerry Ballast’s Rituals
Emotional ContentEmotional Content
Stories that move us are more powerful—but the feeling must be authentic.
How does the story make the audience feel—and how does it achieve that emotional impact?
Example: David Noah’s “Photo Opportunities” (2007): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr48jI4qHvw
Example: Monte Hallis, “Tanya” (1993):http://www.storycenter.org/movies/pages/tanya.html
Stories that move us are more powerful—but the feeling must be authentic.
How does the story make the audience feel—and how does it achieve that emotional impact?
Example: David Noah’s “Photo Opportunities” (2007): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr48jI4qHvw
Example: Monte Hallis, “Tanya” (1993):http://www.storycenter.org/movies/pages/tanya.html
VoiceVoice
The voice conveys meaning and feeling powerfully—don’t be afraid of it!
Conversational tone best captures the audience
Write for the ear. Example: Danny and Annie Perasa
The voice conveys meaning and feeling powerfully—don’t be afraid of it!
Conversational tone best captures the audience
Write for the ear. Example: Danny and Annie Perasa
Power of the SoundtrackPower of the Soundtrack
What music best accompanies the story—sets the tone without being too dominant? (Perhaps it’s no music…)
Instrumental music often works best Sound effects can also heighten tension or convey the
story’s theme Example: Iraqi Kurdistan Example: Calling Me
What music best accompanies the story—sets the tone without being too dominant? (Perhaps it’s no music…)
Instrumental music often works best Sound effects can also heighten tension or convey the
story’s theme Example: Iraqi Kurdistan Example: Calling Me
EconomyEconomy
Shorter is often better—cut the story to the core The CDS suggests that a digital story should be 2-3 minutes long Let the images tell the story; use images that illustrate key ideas
in the story Draw the eye to what’s important Use movement to add energy and emphasis Use juxtapositions and transitions to suggest change Consider how metaphor can advance the story: e.g. image of son
fading into picture in Photo Opportunities Example: Things Small,
http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/movies/dassler-q.html
Shorter is often better—cut the story to the core The CDS suggests that a digital story should be 2-3 minutes long Let the images tell the story; use images that illustrate key ideas
in the story Draw the eye to what’s important Use movement to add energy and emphasis Use juxtapositions and transitions to suggest change Consider how metaphor can advance the story: e.g. image of son
fading into picture in Photo Opportunities Example: Things Small,
http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/movies/dassler-q.html
PacingPacing
Rhythm of the story Fast pace = exciting; slow pace = meditative Changes in pace can be effective, as can
pauses Example: Example: “Home Movies”,
http://www.storycenter.org/stories/
Rhythm of the story Fast pace = exciting; slow pace = meditative Changes in pace can be effective, as can
pauses Example: Example: “Home Movies”,
http://www.storycenter.org/stories/
Producing a Digital StoryProducing a Digital Story
Decide what your story will be about Use questions to prompt your reflection, such as “What was a
decisive moment in your life?” or “Who is a mentor or hero?” Gather the elements of your story, e.g pictures, songs,
video Script your story & get feedback on it Create a storyboard Digitize story elements Record a voiceover Assemble the story using video editing or presentation
software Screen & share your story
Decide what your story will be about Use questions to prompt your reflection, such as “What was a
decisive moment in your life?” or “Who is a mentor or hero?” Gather the elements of your story, e.g pictures, songs,
video Script your story & get feedback on it Create a storyboard Digitize story elements Record a voiceover Assemble the story using video editing or presentation
software Screen & share your story
Imaging toolsImaging tools
Getting images You can create them using a digital camera or scanner You can download them from an open image archives, like
Flickr (and others listed at http://ourmedia.org/learning-center/images/free-photo-sites) Check copyright to make sure you can use the images The quality of some online images may not be sufficient.
Editing images Typical operations: crop, touch up, improve brightness &
contrast, rotate, add text Photo editor, e.g. Photoshop (Elements)
Getting images You can create them using a digital camera or scanner You can download them from an open image archives, like
Flickr (and others listed at http://ourmedia.org/learning-center/images/free-photo-sites) Check copyright to make sure you can use the images The quality of some online images may not be sufficient.
Editing images Typical operations: crop, touch up, improve brightness &
contrast, rotate, add text Photo editor, e.g. Photoshop (Elements)
Audio & Video ToolsAudio & Video Tools Audio recording and editing
Record and edit audio using Audacity (free software) Use a microphone (USB mikes for as little as $25)
Download copyright-free music, e.g. Free Music Project Podsafe
Video-editing. Slide-show production software Web-based, e.g. JumpCut & other tools at
http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/50+Ways Free & easy: iMovie (Mac); Windows Movie Maker, PhotoStory
(Windows), SlideStory (web-based) Moderately priced: FinalCut Express, ULead VideoStudio Professional (expensive & complex): FinalCut Pro, Premiere
Audio recording and editing Record and edit audio using Audacity (free software) Use a microphone (USB mikes for as little as $25)
Download copyright-free music, e.g. Free Music Project Podsafe
Video-editing. Slide-show production software Web-based, e.g. JumpCut & other tools at
http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/50+Ways Free & easy: iMovie (Mac); Windows Movie Maker, PhotoStory
(Windows), SlideStory (web-based) Moderately priced: FinalCut Express, ULead VideoStudio Professional (expensive & complex): FinalCut Pro, Premiere
Disseminating digital storiesDisseminating digital stories
Distribute a CD or DVD Make available online:
Your own web site YouTube, OurMedia, etc.
Distribute a CD or DVD Make available online:
Your own web site YouTube, OurMedia, etc.
Why Educational Institutions Should Embrace Digital Storytelling
Why Educational Institutions Should Embrace Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling can reach the Net Generation NetGen oriented toward interactive and visual communication. Digital storytelling helps to develop 21st C literacy skills.
Anecdote & research testify to educational benefits of digital storytelling Engage students Explore new means of communication
Great mechanism for outreach--stories can stir interest and action
Digital storytelling can reach the Net Generation NetGen oriented toward interactive and visual communication. Digital storytelling helps to develop 21st C literacy skills.
Anecdote & research testify to educational benefits of digital storytelling Engage students Explore new means of communication
Great mechanism for outreach--stories can stir interest and action
What’s Next For Our WorkshopWhat’s Next For Our Workshop
Homework: Write a 250-350 word script for your digital story. Use concrete, evocative language. Due 2/19.
Thursday, 2/19 Story Circle
Read aloud your script to other workshop participants Receive constructive criticism Discuss what makes an effective script
Homework: Revise your story based on feedback you received. Select 8-15 images (photographs, artifacts, etc.) to use in your digital story. You may want to use the script template for digital stories, available at http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/resources.html
Bring these images with you to the next class.
Homework: Write a 250-350 word script for your digital story. Use concrete, evocative language. Due 2/19.
Thursday, 2/19 Story Circle
Read aloud your script to other workshop participants Receive constructive criticism Discuss what makes an effective script
Homework: Revise your story based on feedback you received. Select 8-15 images (photographs, artifacts, etc.) to use in your digital story. You may want to use the script template for digital stories, available at http://telr.osu.edu/storytelling/resources.html
Bring these images with you to the next class.
Learn More about Digital StorytellingLearn More about Digital Storytelling
Attend a digital storytelling workshop (http://www.storycenter.org/schedule.html).
Read the Digital Storytelling Cookbook:
http://www.storycenter.org/cookbook.html Look at web pages on digital stories that I’ve bookmarked at
http://del.icio.us/lms4w/digital_storytelling See how a digital storytelling workshop works: http://www.
storycenter.org/movies/pages/msnbc.html
Attend a digital storytelling workshop (http://www.storycenter.org/schedule.html).
Read the Digital Storytelling Cookbook:
http://www.storycenter.org/cookbook.html Look at web pages on digital stories that I’ve bookmarked at
http://del.icio.us/lms4w/digital_storytelling See how a digital storytelling workshop works: http://www.
storycenter.org/movies/pages/msnbc.html
