Total Class Hours: 3 Designed to help participants shape a true personal experience into a compelling story ready for live telling. Inspired by the structure and approach used in Moth-style storytelling, this workshop focuses on narrative craft and the fundamentals of live performance. Participants will not be required to tell their story aloud, and no previous storytelling experience is required. Through guided writing prompts and discussions, attendees will explore the essential elements that make a story resonate onstage: narrative arc, emotional stakes, clarity, pacing, and the moment of change. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with an outline of a story or collection of story ideas they can continue developing for live storytelling opportunities. Learn how to identify a personal story worth telling, Understand the difference between an anecdote and a story. Shape a narrative using classic Moth-inspired structure: The Hook, Setting the Stakes, Rising Action, The Turning Point, The Moment of Change, Resolution & Reflection, Use authentic detail, emotional honesty, and scene-setting to build resonance, Edit their story for clarity, pacing, and “tellability.”, Give and receive supportive, constructive feedback using community storytelling best practices. Leave with an outline of a true story or a collection of story ideas, designed for a 5–6 minute live telling, that they could develop further for a story slam, open mic, community event, or future workshop, Tools to continue refining, expanding, or preparing their story for performance, A clearer understanding of narrative structure and personal voice. This Is For: Beginners curious about live storytelling, Writers exploring memoir or personal narrative, People preparing for a Moth Story SLAM, Greenville’s own Ales and Tales, or another storytelling event, Anyone wanting to make sense of a meaningful life moment through craft and structure. No performance experience required!