Prompts: A Storytelling Exercise

Refresh Prompts

HOW TO USE THIS PAGE

There are several ways to use these prompts… Here are some possibilities:

WRITING PRACTICE

Pick a prompt and write for 5 or 10 minutes. Consider these tips:

  • Pick another prompt if you don’t like what you’re given. (Click Refresh Prompts to get new prompts!)

  • Feel free to make up your own prompt!

  • Use the prompt to write something true or fictional or something in between.

  • Don’t take these prompts too seriously. Readjust them as you see fit.

ICEBREAKER EXERCISE

Break into groups of 5 or 6 and use the prompts to tell stories to each other for about 20 minutes.

Each group chooses one group facilitator who tries to keep everyone’s turn (in the first round) to about two minutes and makes sure everyone gets at least one chance to share.

ROUND 1. Go around the group and each person has two minutes to tell stories… They can use one prompt or multiple prompts, but they get two full minutes to share, rant, reminisce, reveal, whatever…

LIGHTNING ROUND. After everyone goes once, then go around again, but this round ignore the timer, just have each person answer one question and then skip to the next person. Repeat until the session is over.

Some suggestions:

  • You can pick another prompt if you don’t like what you’re given or you feel uncomfortable answering something. (Click Refresh Prompts to get new prompts!)

  • You can reuse another person’s prompt if you’re excited to use it.

  • Feel free to make up your own prompt!

  • Don’t take these prompts (or these instructions) too seriously.

CHARACTER EXPLORATION (FOR FICTION WRITERS)

If you’re struggling to get to know a character in one of your stories, answer prompts from the perspective of that character.

DINNER OR DATE NIGHT CONVERSATION

Answer some of these questions with a friend or with someone you’d like to get to know better.