Over the next month, as preparation for our first storytelling workshop, “Spotlight on You” on October 13th, we will be featuring the four Better Said Than Done storytelling teachers. First victim – Jennifer Luu!
When/where did you tell your first story and what was that experience like?
The first time I remember telling a story to someone, I was six or so, and on a road trip to Florida with my family. I was telling my uncle a story, and he found me very funny because I just had to string every single sentence together with the words, “and then…” Like this: “And then…I went outside to play. And then…I got on my bike. And then…I ran over my brother with my bike.” I didn’t really understand why he thought it was so funny– it was simply my artistic urge to do so, which is similar to my storytelling now. People laugh when I don’t expect them to.
The first time I told a story on stage as an adult, I had decided to do my own one-woman show, and then just went for it. The crowd wasn’t in the hundreds or anything, and I didn’t really feel like I could hear them all that well, but afterwards, I felt like king of the world. It was incredibly rewarding to acknowledge that my voice and story were worthy of being heard by saying “F it,” and putting it all out there on my own terms.
What do you like about storytelling/think people are drawn to about it?
I’m not the type of friend who will want to stop by for a quick visit on my way to somewhere else. I’ll want to come in, sit down, and really visit with you. I like storytelling because that’s what it feels like I’m experiencing, both when I hear and tell stories. I’m interested in people– their experiences, their hardships, their emotions; their plots, which pretty much makes storytelling perfect for me. (And also explains my draw to life coaching.) Plus, I’m pretty sure people like storytelling because it’s riveting, funny, and a good time! I like it for those reasons too.
I also like how it feels to be on stage in front of people. I still get supremely nervous, but once I get into my groove and calm down, it just feels right.
Worst moment on stage?
I was tired, not as prepared as I thought I was, and completely forgot my story right in the middle of it. And because I was so tired, I couldn’t even begin to search my mind for what I was supposed to say next. I was just on auto-pilot. It felt pretty awful while I was up there, but afterwards, people told me that they couldn’t even tell if I had actually forgotten what came next, or if it was just part of my story (um, what?), and that I handled it well. I believe them, because I’m extra cool, calm and collected in emergency situations, but inside, I was still all ALERT! ALERT!
Best stage experience and why?
The first time I did my one-woman show was pretty spectacular because it was my worldwide debut! So many people that I love and care about came from the far corners of the coast to support me.
My first time on a larger stage with the audience in the triple digits was great too. It was with SpeakeasyDC for their open mic, and my younger brother’s comment after the show says it all: “Man. I knew you were good, but I didn’t know you were that good.” Shazam!
Thoughts on “everyone has a story?”
Absolutely! Would you really want to take a class from me if I didn’t believe this? I’m also a lifecoach, so all this “speak your authentic voice” and “your story matters” woo-woo stuff is right up my alley. It’s also TRUTH!
What makes you a great teacher?
I seek out, and respond to, people. I’ve been through extensive life coach training, leadership training, and often voluntarily place myself in mentor-type roles, whether it’s being a resident adviser and hall director with a psychology degree to being a life coach. I’m also really good at holding people in safe, conducive, progressive places. That was life coachey. Let me explain: I’ve done a good deal of panel moderation/facilitation, and as a wedding officiant, I carry out the ceremony in a way that honors the couple, the attendees, and keeps everyone engaged, calm, and happy. Accordingly, I’m really good at using my powers to set people up to shine. (Under their own spotlight! Ha! Look at what I did there.)
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