Story Circle brings storytelling to life at competitive Story Battle events where true stories are shared live in front of an audience who vote on their favourite.
Anyone can share a 7-minute story and the winner of each Story Battle progresses to compete at an All-Stars Story Battle for the title of Story Circle Champion.
What kind of story can I tell?
No one likes rules but we have a handful to ensure storytellers know exactly what we’re looking for.
> Technically your story can be about anything, it just has to fit the themes of each Story Battle, which are intentionally broad.
> Your story must be true and be your story. Naturally, it can feature other people but there must be a reason why you - and only you - can tell this story.
> Stories are commonly told in the first person.
> Your story can elicit any emotion from the audience. It can be sad, inspirational, scary, funny or cover the full spectrum of human emotion if you can do that in 7 minutes.
> We ask storytellers to be sensitive to potentially triggering themes and mention these up top to pre-warn the audience. However, we don’t want people to shy away from serious topics.
> Stories must be memorised and told without prompts.
How does a Story Battle work?
Register to tell a story
We ask people to register so that we can ensure an even mix of storytellers across all events. We also want an opportunity to share additional information about what storytellers can expect on the day.
Select an event
Select the event date and location that works for you.
This will give you the opportunity to invite friends so they can attend the event and provide moral support.
Why 7-minute story length?
For most people, it takes 5 – 7 minutes to deliver a story of 1000 words or less. Research suggests 7 minutes is the optimal time for an introduction, scene setting, story details, conflict and resolution of a first-person true story.
Practice your story
Think you can just turn up and wing it? Good luck!
If your cat is not sick of hearing your story by the time the day rolls around, practice some more.
Tell your story
The day has arrived for you to tell your story. Eeek!
All stories are recorded live but the true audience are the people in the room as they’ll decide who wins each round.
Who judges each round?
The audience and a small panel of judges vote anonymously for their favourite story and the Story Battle winner is announced to grand fanfare.
What if I win?
Winners of individual Story Battles will be invited to tell a new story, under a new theme and compete at an All-Stars Story Battle for a chance to become the Story Circle Champion.
Can I enter more than once?
Yes! Storytellers can enter as many competitions as they like with new stories on different themes. Even past champions can return but will they be able to retain their title?
Share your story
The best stories are shared online to give them life beyond the competition. If your story is one of the lucky ones, give it a share!
Have a question?
If you have a specific question, get in contact with us and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Share your story and be crowned London’s ultimate storyteller at our inaugural competition.
Register to tell a story at Story Circle London
The theme for the first round of London Story Battles is New Beginnings.
Fill in the form below and we’ll get in contact with further information.
