PREPARE TO PRESENT A REFLECTIVE NARRATIVE

SETTING: Sometimes a simple incident in our lives can

actually have a deeper meaning and impact on us than
might be apparent at the time.

ASSIGNMENT:
Plan and prepare a personal reflective narrative
about a memorable experience in your life.

BACKGROUND: An example of good reflective narration

was created by Annie Morrow Lindbergh – pilot, author,
and wife of the famous pilot Charles Lindbergh. In her book North to the Orient, which
recounts the flight she and Charles took to the Orient in 1931, she includes a chapter near
the end called, "Sayonara." More like a reflective narrative, this chapter recounts the
Lindbergh's experience of leaving Japan at the end of their visit.

Rather than a mere travel log – we went here, then we did this, then we got on the
boat – in "Sayonara" Mrs. Lindberg ties the events of a relatively brief experience together
with a theme – saying goodbye. The experience obviously caused her to do some
reflective thinking, and she captured her feelings – and a message – in the act of saying
"goodbye."

GETTING STARTED:
►CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCE OF YOUR OWN
Reflect on the memorable experiences of your own life and choose one to share.
Hint: what are the memories that come to your mind? It doesn't have to be some
great incident in your life but can be more of an experience of insight or
understanding.

►FIND A THEME OR POINT – A MESSAGE

- After choosing your experience to share, find a message or a point. Why did the
experience leave an impression on you? Remember, every experience has a point
– or can have a point. You determine what you want your message to be and
then support it by the details from your experience that you include.
Hint: Only include the details that build your message.

►OUTLINE THE EXPERIENCE – GIVE IT A LOGICAL FLOW

- Make the narrative flow chronologically or by milestones that brought about the
insight.

►MAKE A DRAFT – WRITE OUT YOUR NARRATIVE

 You will probably have a better presentation if you write it out first as a narrative
essay. This will give you the opportunity to develop vivid descriptions and test the
flow.

►TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES LIKE DIALOGUE, PACING,

VIVID DESCRIPTIONS, SENSORY LANGUAGE
- You can add pacing by using parallel structure. You can also include dialogue or
even brief anecdotes that illustrate your point and enhance your narrative.

- Pay close attention to transitions! Transitions make sure the points and support
of your narrative stay connected.

►DRAW A COMPARISON BETWEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AND BROADER THEMES

Example: Although my experience of nearly drowning as a child terrified me at
the time, I have now come to see it in a different light. I have come to realize that
there is always a back-up. If it's not the lifeguard, it'll be mom. If it's not mom,
it'll be dad, or a friend. Someone's always there.
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NOTE:
Your reflective narrative is a good resource you can use for an oral presentation. If you
plan to present your narrative to an audience, keep in mind these points:
- Adapt your presentation to your audience. What is their likely experience with
the subject of your narrative? You may need to lay some groundwork as you
begin.

- Be aware of and apply the standards of formal spoken English as they apply.
Some presentation may purposefully be informal, but make sure you use Standard
English when it applies.

- Apply the elements of good public speaking as you make your presentation –
eye contact; adequate volume, clear enunciation, appropriate (not overdone)
gestures.

- This is a good time to use multi-media and other visual enhancements that add
to your presentation – but do not overpower it!