Holding Space for Others

The most difficult part about holding space for others is using non-verbal cues to reassure the storyteller that I am listening. The story-collecting process was not conversational, so I refrained from using verbal indicators to show that I am focused. I felt like story-collecting with a classmate was more relaxed and I was able to use a few quiet verbal indicators. Whereas, when I was story-collecting with a community member, I had to rely completely on non-verbal cues. I felt like if I glanced at my notes too often or if I kept a blank face, then the storyteller would feel like I am uninterested or spacing out. I remember regularly nodding my head and holding eye contact, but I worried that I would not take enough notes to write a cohesive monologue. Despite my worries, I feel like both of my storytellers felt comfortable enough to share emotional insight on their story.

In hindsight, I think that interpreting the non-verbal cues of the storyteller is just as important to story-collecting as noting specific details. In the end, I want to write an engaging monologue that captures my storyteller’s experiences. By watching how the storyteller reacts to the memories recounted, I can draw insight on the emotional gravity of pivotal moments in her life. The final monologue does not include her entire life story. Rather, I chose to write about only one aspect of her story and I expanded on the thoughts she had in the moment--with tremendous help from Peggy, of course.