- Select the Shetterly Truth Teller you would like to research.
- Read the selection about your Truth Teller on www.americanswhotellthetruth.org
- Find two other resources about your Truth Teller and read them. This may include books written, plays or songs performed, or articles published.
- Write about your Truth Teller thinking about the following guidelines.*
- Tell a story.
- Ground it in the events of your Truth Teller’s life.
- Make it real.
- Talk about moments when your Truth Teller was tested or challenged.
- Tell things you know about this person that are not common knowledge.
- Be personal and brief.
- Be specific.
- Name the belief or cause that is central to your Truth Teller’s life.
- Write in words or phrases that are comfortable for you to speak.
- Some examples:
- Don’t say “bus.” Say “run down city bus with doors that don’t close”. √ Don’t tell, but show.
- Don’t tell about anger or truth or justice; show what made your Truth Teller angry or what act was unjust. Skip the “This is a story about truth” line and move right into the “truth.”
- Some possible formats for your writing:
- A story – pick one incident or critical moment. Tell it as a first person story.
- A letter – written by your Truth Teller or to your Truth Teller from you or someone in your Truth Teller’s life.
- A rap – add movement or beatboxing.
- Slam poetry – think spoken word, powerful emotion, smiles, tears.
- Important concepts to consider:
- What do you admire about this person?
- What does this person make you feel?
- What would you like to say to this person if you could have a conversation with him/her?
- What one story might tell the essence of this person?
*Based on This I Believe in association with National Public Radio and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.