First, you need to have a story you feel passionate about. Sometimes a colleague has shared a story that just begs to be told, and has given you permission to tell it. Usually, however, despite interpreters’ knowledge, they have not sought out and crafted the stories that are most meaningful to them. These are the stories they will tell best because they come from the heart.

After you have chosen the subjects most meaningful you can begin to create your own stories. This is done by creating a simple graphic organizer or a story map — I call this a Visual Portrait of a Story (VPS). The VPS has five main components: beginning, problem, solution, end, and picture (or drawing).

Contrary to how most of us are taught, you begin with the problem and solution (instead of the beginning) of your subject. Jot down a few words regarding the problem and solution. Then write a sentence or two for the beginning, and a sentence or two for the end. If you are an artistic person, you can draw a picture or pictures that remind you of the story.

Next, begin the powerful tell-and-retell process. Start by telling the story to another interpreter before actually writing the whole tale down from beginning to end. Do this while standing up so you can move your body and act it out as you tell. Ask your partner to tell it back to you (retell) using body movement, sound, and facial expressions. Your partner won’t use exactly the same words, nor tell it just like you; that is what you want. You will see and hear your story in a different light and may use some of the words or storytelling techniques your partner used. Remember, what you are trying to do here is craft an excellent story, the best you can for your audience.