story time

Last Sunday I hosted a Listening Party. And what, you may ask, is a Listening Party?

The idea came from my friend's husband, who suggested I invite a group of friends and family over to listen to my story being read on CBC Radio 1.

The idea itself was a cool one, harking back to the 1930s and '40s, when families and friends would huddle around the old wireless in the evening, to hear their favourite show. So I jumped at the idea.

Since the show begins at noon, we invited our party over for 11:30 a.m. so we could get all the chit chat out of the way before optimum listening time. There was only one invitational catch: Those attending had to be there to listen (and not just show up for the Kylebucks panini buffet) and they had to bring a summer adventure story of their own to share. In the words of Vinyl Cafe host Stuart McLean (who read my story during the program's Story Exchange time), "they have to be true and they have to be short. After that, it's up to you."

I wasn't sure what to expect, since story telling isn't really a part of our culture anymore. Yes, we love to gossip, as well as advize, but put the spotlight on someone and say, "give me a story - GO!" nowadays, and they are more likely to pass the spotlight on to someone else. Or maybe it's just the people in my circle.

Anyway, all the adults complied with tales of 10 km hikes and camping misadventures, road trips, engagements and door-to-door salesmen. The three teens, however, were more reticent (read: adamantly against the idea). But when coaxed (okay, coerced), even they came through. My 13-year-old nephew told the story of his run-in with a crackhead named "Chopper" while busking a couple of years ago. His 15-year-old sister related a summer camp misadventure, and her friend shared a story about an embarrassing moment in a movie theatre.

They weren't highly polished or carefully plotted out or in any way ready for publication. They weren't necessarily eloquent. But they were wonderful, organic moments that wouldn't otherwise have been shared. I enjoyed it so much, I want to plan another listening party. No radio next time, but everyone brings a story with a certain theme - and maybe a potluck dish to chase it down.

The benefits, when I think about it, are myriad and go far beyond the obvious entertainment value. For young people, especially, but for older folks as well, there's a confidence boost (once you get past the shyness) of having the floor to yourself, with no one to interrupt you or change the topic or add to what you're saying or chastize you. It's different from a conversation, and develops different skills. There's also a bond that forms between story teller and listener through the course of a story. And, one of my favourite bonuses, it makes small incidences and vignettes important. Because really, they are.