She told the group that all people share common experiences. Corey said that in telling your stories, think of the lessons these pivotal people have taught you. Demonstrating this, she asked the members of the group to close their eyes and think about people who have been very important in their lives. She then asked the group to remember a specific point in time when they had had a meaningful experience with them. Use these sensory triggers to make the experience real again.
Storytellers have to search themselves for stories, since the stories are personal.
You can do this based on a good event, a bad event, a two week period, or a five year period. Then, intentionally search your memory for specifics, for details. She said looking at old photos can be triggers for memories. Corey related a personal experience of seeing a photo of her mother as a child with her trombone. My mother was a marvelous musician.