Out of My Comfort Zone: Storytelling on Stage

In January 2023, as a part of my professional development, I signed up for a science storytelling class with the Story Collider. You see — the written word has always been my thing, but I wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone a bit and learn a new way of storytelling.

The class was great! I learned a lot, and I curated my own personal story. By the end of the class, the instructors shared that we could submit our stories to tell on a live stage. The closest venue to me was in Atlanta, GA. I didn’t think much about it when I submitted it; I thought that if it was accepted, I’d think about it then.

Several months later, I heard from the organizers in Atlanta that I was invited to participate in the December, 2023 show, entitled, Pivot. I had started my year with the Story Collider, and it looked like I would end it with the Story Collider as well.

I worked at editing and re-editing my story; and I practiced telling it without notes over and over again. We even did a trial run with the other storytellers the week of the event. That went super well for me – no hitches, and I thought – “I’m ready!”

Writing the story is one thing – performing it live is another. I have done public speaking before and have not had the same kind of nerves that I had for this. I’m used to writing and sharing the stories of others. Talking about myself – that is completely different.

I got up onto the stage, the third of six speakers, and the storyteller just before the break. My mouth suddenly became drier than the Sahara desert. And my body was full of emotions and rather shaky, preparing to share this very personal story.

But, I did it. I forgot pieces that I had written, and skipped right through them. I made people laugh, even when I didn’t know it would be funny. And, I did cry, at the emotional parts.

Overall, I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and trying a new mode of storytelling. And while I may not love the limelight, I look at this as yet another experience on my storytelling journey.

Listen in on the recording below.