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Section 4 Techniques and Tools

4.21 Storydialogue

Storydialogue is a way of sharing and analysing stories in a systematic way. Fuller details about the process and how it works are available elsewhere(1).

Storydialogue is a useful tool that has many applications. It can be used in planning new policies and programmes, to enable sharing of experiences and ideas amongst staff and with service users and is a useful, participatory technique which can bring variety to the research and consultation process.

How does it work?

The storydialogue process requires a facilitator for the whole process and sufficient facilitators to run the required number of story groups. It will usually be structured as a day event, although there are some preparation tasks that are completed in advance.

The first task undertaken in advance is to develop a ‘generative’ theme. This is a theme that generates animated discussed and is usually one that touches on some of the tensions of professional practice, service delivery or community activity and how decisions and choices are made. This can be a challenging process for the organisation convening the event and those that take part. The theme is decided in advance by the facilitator after initial discussions amongst those to be involved in the process. It is important to ensure that the right people are part of the storydialogue process. They should have some experience relevant to the generative theme and be prepared to enter into a process of constructive dialogue around that theme.

A small number of stories are selected in advance and ‘storytellers’ briefed about their role. On the day of the event, the process then works through a process of telling the stories in turn in a group format. Usually groups are made up of between seven to ten people and each group hears two stories. At the beginning, the story groups agree norms and standards for conduct, such as being critical, caring and confidential.

The process of hearing the stories is a structured and timed process of dialogue which allows for further questioning, reflection, and analysis of the themes within the stories. Group members each take notes during the process and one acts as a timekeeper. Whilst this process can be organised and timed to suit the particular circumstances, in general, it proceeds as follows:

• Storytelling in story groups

• Reflection circle – a quick, immediate response to the story from each member of the group

• Structured dialogue – based around four types of questions:

- What? (description)

- Why? (explanation)

- So what? (synthesis)

- Now what? (action)

• Development of insight cards – each member of the group writes a few of their insights (or ‘ah-ahs’) down to share with the rest of the group. These are written on A5 paper so that they can be spread out on a table and read easily by everyone else.

• Devising categories – a collective process of analysing and sorting insight cards to identify themes.

• Reporting back to a plenary of all story groups

• Discussion of how best to present the outcomes of the process, engagement of participants in the dissemination process and in monitoring of any action plans agreed.

In this way the process moves from the particular to the general through developing ‘insight cards’ which distill key lessons from the story. The end result generates lessons learnt in collaboration about best practice.

The method is used to help practitioners evaluate their work, gain insights into their experiences and shape future practice. It has many applications for social housing organisations and can be adapted to suit the particular context.

Storydialogue: checklist

√ Take time to explore the ‘generative theme’ that is likely to engage and energise people willing to share their stories.

√ Recruit facilitators to oversee the process and steer each story group.

√ Ensure that the right people are part of the storydialogue process.

√ Adapt the process to suit the context and constraints in which you are working including agreeing norms and standards for conduct.

√ Consider how best to present the outcomes of the process and actively engage the participants in the dissemination process.

√ Involve participants in the development and monitoring of action plans based on Storydialogue.

Alternative and related approaches:

• Using stories

• Using comments, compliments and complaints as feedback

• Significant event analysis

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(1) Learning from Stories, a method for learning from communities, People for Action, 2003 www.pfanet.org.uk

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