Writing Tips

Great Beginnings and Endings

Introduce Yourself

Introduce your Story

  • Give the name of your story & sometimes the author's name (who wrote it).
  • Give background info about author; about the place or setting (where the story takes place); or
  • Share where you found this story. (example: "My mother told me this story when I was 5 years old".)

Great First Lines

  • Make them strong & interesting to get the attention & interest of your audience. These can be memorized.
  • Can include description of:
    1. Main character, (example: "This story is about my cousin, Susan.")
    2. Time & Place of story, (example: "This story takes place during the Salt Lake City Olympics.")
    3. Problem to be solved, (example: "My sister was a nail biter." Or, "This was the last event in the dance recital & my name was next on the program." Or, "The score was tied 6 to 6; the bases were loaded and Thomas walked onto the pitcher's mound."
    4. Conflict of story, (example: "I was a much better horse rider than my friend." Or, "Sally had such a hard time telling the truth."

Great Conclusions

  • Give strong conclusion. Conclusions can be memorized.
  • Can include:
    1. End of story. Can be happy, sad or surprising.
    2. Punch line or
    3. What you've learned from story.
  • Make sure you've tied up all loose ends.

Great Endings

  • Can include:
    1. Re-statement of the title of your story. (example: "And that was the story of the Three Little Pigs.")
    2. Say, "The End."
    3. Bow.
  • Make sure you wait for your applause before exiting the stage! Enjoy the moment!