On Jan. 26, ETSU Storytelling hosted their first Regeneration Story Slam of the semester at the Down Home.

Ten storytellers told five minute long personal stories on the theme of “Expectations.”

The doors opened at 7 p.m., and the first story started at 7:30 p.m. It was open to all of the community. At any time during the night, tellers could put in their names as possible tellers. If the teller was not chosen, they could try again next story slam. The previous teller chose the next speaker.

The tellers did have certain rules they have to follow: the story had to be true, had to be on the theme, and had to be said without notes. There were no restrictions on the content being said. There was the expectation of mature content being noted beforehand and viewer discretion advised.

At the end of the stories, the audience voted through a QR code. There were questions asking, “Did the story connect with you?”; “How well was it crafted & told?”; and “Was it on theme?” At the end of the night, the best storyteller received $50.  

Cory Howard, the president of the ETSU Storytelling club, Storytelling Collective, was the host.

Betty Ann Polaha, one of the tellers and students of the department, told her story on why storytelling is important, and how it not only impacted the teller but the audience.

“I’m just thrilled to death that I was forced to dig up that secret wish and go for it, and ever since I did…it give me a freedom, and when you tell a story you put yourself out there and we have to put yourself totally out there and have people respond positively. So you don’t walk around with the false face and say the right thing and do the right thing and gives a freedom,” stated Polaha.

The winner of the event was Terrence Jackson with his story “Chocolate Frosty.” He told a story of expecting a man from War, West Virginia, to be racist because of his past experience in war and a Confederate flag tattoo, but in the end, he was wrong about his assumptions.

Howard emphasized storytelling is not about convincing, but relating to the audience. He said storytellers try to generate a connection and relationship through emotions and experiences.

“You, yourself, are telling a different story,” said Howard.

He stressed the importance of telling the main theme and not worrying about the details.

“Know what the heart of the story is,” stated Howard. “Exemplify the nugget.”

Howard feels a connection with tellers when they tell their story. He said he feels privileged by the teller letting him into their lives with their stories. “It’s a treat to hear people’s stories,” Howard said.

The next story slam is called “Chance,” and will be on Feb. 23. The final story slam of the semester will be on March 23 at the same time and place.

(Hana Goss/East Tennessean)