STORIES NARRATING LIFE

  • HONEST STORYTELLING
  • EMPATHETIC
  • TRUTHFUL
  • REFLEXIVE
  • EMOTIVE

For this course, you will create a digital storytelling project based on a personal anecdote that addresses a social awareness issue. Digital storytelling combines images (you can only use your own images or drawings) with a soundtrack and your narrated voice. Throughout SPA 102, we will develop the main idea, script, storyboard, and symbolisms that will shape your project. The goal of the project is to tell a personal story that raises awareness about a social issue connected to your own experience

The Digital Storytelling project has 4 steps (Pasos) which build on one another. Students receive feedback for each Paso (both for language use and content).

Paso 1 (week 3): A significant story (first draft). Turn in your brief script/story for a 2 minute video, around 270 words.
Paso 2 (week 5): Storyboard and peer feedback Create a storyboard. Use the template to carefully select images (only your own pics or drawings). Place them so as to build an emotional impact on your audience. Below each image include the part of the script that better suits the image. Have in mind the economy of language and visuals: Avoid being redundant (e.g. image and words describing the same: “Estaba lloviendo” and we see an image of “lluvia”). Your storyboard will be peer reviewed.
Paso 3 (week 9): First complete draft of the video, integrating text, images, and music. Practice many times before recording your voice. Use appropriate tone and rhythm. Pace your words and silences to “tell” your story. Let the audience ‘time’ to reflect on your story and images and all the possible symbolisms. Your voice must reveal the emotions your story conveys.
Paso 4 (week 12): Final complete draft of the video. Incorporate all feedback and suggested corrections on your digital story.

Components & format:

  • Write 250-270 words, select images or drawings (15 max) & music.
  • 2 minutes
  • Pace: each line should last between 6 to 10 seconds
  • Each image should remain on screen for a minimum of 3 to 4 seconds (you can zoom in on the images)
  • You can use iMovie, DaVinci Ressolve, ClipChamp, WeVideo. Suggested final formal mp4

7 elements (Lambert 2013)

  • Point of View.

What is the main point of the story and what is the perspective of the author?

  • A Dramatic Question?
  • Emotional Content
  • The Gift of Your Voice
  • The Power of the Soundtrack
  • Economy
  • Pacing