Page 8 - Storytelling - Storylistening

III. How to Talk to Elders
• Do not delve too deeply into the other’s personal life at first. A non-threatening way to start a conversation
with a resident you have just met is to ask about a photograph, jewelry or other items they have on display.
• Ask specific rather than broad, general questions to encourage the speaker to reminisce and elaborate. i.e., Rather than asking, “What was it like growing up on a farm in Kansas?” ask instead, “What kind of chores did you do growing up on the farm?”
• Ask follow-up questions for more detail, to clarify and keep the conversation rolling (“After you finished milking the cows, how did you get to school?”)
• Briefly summarize what the speaker says (“So, you got up every morning at five, fed the chickens, milked the cows, then walked three miles to school?”)
• Reflect on sentiments expressed in the story (“It sounds like you worked hard, yet had a happy and fulfilling childhood.”)
• Listen for connections and commonalities between you and the speaker rather than for contentious issues that set you apart.
• Do not interrupt before the speaker has completed her thought. When she finishes her sentence, wait a few seconds before you respond in case she wishes to say more.
• Ask, “Is there anything else?” when the speaker finishes talking.
Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks ©Action Pact, Inc.2005-2006 p.4