Saturday, October 6

9:30 am- Storytelling in Higher Education Presents:

Pat Nease

“What’s So Funny?”

Hosted by Ann Scroggie

What is humor and who defines humor?  How do words make you laugh?  In this interactive workshop, you will have “puns of fun”!  Recent studies have confirmed the therapeutic effect of laughter, but humor also provides relaxation, not only from daily stresses, but also from the tension caused by other factors of attention in a story, particularly conflict and suspense. Humor sharpens the mind and helps the teller to gain and maintain the audience’s attention. Learn and laugh with Pat as you “play with words”.

Warning: This workshop may create word images in the listener’s mind that will make him/her chuckle, giggle and smile.  

Pat has been a member of NSN for many years and has attended most of the recent conferences. She has been a featured teller at festivals, resorts, schools, state parks, libraries, clubs and conferences. 

Sunday, October 7

9:30 am- Storytelling in Organizations Presents:

Dennis R. Rader

Metaphors and Stories that Increase Organizational Intelligence

Hosted by Molly Catron

Based upon his work as the emotional intelligence coach for the Kentucky State University football team, Dr. Dennis Rader will lead a conversation about the Cantankerous Toads, Hogs on Ice, and Sick Elephants that suppress intelligence in organizations. Metaphors help us revision, to see with "fresh eyes" our challenges and opportunities. Stories express the contextual, dynamic realities of our experience. Conversations expand, with the help of metaphors and stories, our intelligence, the capacity to solve problems and fashion products, such as a nourishing and effective workplace. We will investigate Conversation Toads, the factors that contribute to intelligence, and share some stories about impeded and improved intelligence in organizations.

Dennis R. Rader is an author, storyteller, consultant, and college professor. He presently teaches writing at Kentucky State University and serves as the emotional intelligence coach for the football team.

Saturday, October 6

11:00 am – Healing Story Alliance Presents:

Allison Cox

Close to the Edge: Storytelling for Prevention and Intervention of Substance Abuse

Hosted by Lani Peterson

Allison will discuss the design of storytelling programs for all ages for intervention and prevention, from creating a safe environment in which sensitive issues can be explored, to sharing practical exercises and relevant stories. Her presentation is certain to contain valuable information for storytellers and therapists working in other areas as well.

This wellspring of resources from the West Coast is a storyteller, therapist and health educator. She is also the editor and an author in The Healing Heart books.

Sunday, October 7

11:00 am- Youth, Educators and Storytellers Presents:

Diane Williams

Creating the Storytelling Classroom

Hosted by Darlene Neumann

What does classroom learning look like when story activities are combined with curriculum learning? Participants will learn how to tell a simple story. They will explore story and combine Math, Science, Social Studies, and/or Language Arts learning. This fun session will propel the creativity process. Participants will engage in looking at techniques that stimulate student inquiry and concept recognition.

Diane Williams is past board chair for the National Storytelling Network. Diane currently serves as the Arts Industry Director for the Mississippi Arts Commission and was formerly on their touring arts roster and Arts Education Demonstration roster.