Turning Awkward Moments Into Memorable Stories
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Storytelling isn’t just for writers or performers—it’s for anyone who wants to share their experiences in a way that connects with others. Often, the most memorable stories come from ordinary or even awkward moments in our lives. One of my favorite exercises to uncover these stories is a game called “That Reminds Me of the Time.”
How the Game Works
This is a fun exercise I play in my classes, often on the very first day. Participants pair up and take turns sharing small, condensed memory fragments inspired by a prompt. Each memory should be specific but doesn’t need to be elaborate.
Example:
Prompt: Cheese
Person A: “Cheese reminds me of ordering a Domino’s pizza to be delivered to a Chinese restaurant when I was a kid.”
Person B: “That reminds me of the time my family went to a Chinese restaurant for my uncle’s birthday dinner.”
The chain continues:
Uncles → Horse Track → Rodeo → Road Trips → Fights → Sushi Restaurant
Each new memory is inspired by the previous one, creating a spontaneous, playful flow.
Why This Game Works
Uncovers hidden stories: Even people who feel they “don’t have stories” quickly realize they are full of memories.
Encourages creativity: Connecting one memory to another sparks imagination and unexpected storytelling paths.
Builds confidence: Sharing small memories in a safe, playful context makes larger storytelling challenges less intimidating.
From Memory to Story
A memory fragment alone isn’t a story. For instance:
“Getting dumped in a sushi restaurant—the kind with the boats that go around and around.”
This is just a seed. By reflecting, adding emotion, and connecting it to your life, it becomes a story that resonates with an audience.
At a recent Berkeley Moth StorySLAM, a man who had never shared his story publicly captivated 400 people, including his family, with a confession. The stakes were high, but by simply being authentic, he turned a personal, awkward moment into a memorable story for everyone in the room.
The Joy of Sharing Awkward Moments
The true fun of storytelling comes from the act of sharing. Awkward, funny, or emotional moments carry meaning that connects us to others. Each retelling strengthens your connection to the audience and your confidence as a storyteller.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have any good stories,” try starting with a single memory. Use exercises like “That Reminds Me of the Time” to unlock the hidden stories in your life. Even awkward moments can become memorable stories that delight, inspire, and connect.
Your stories are already inside you—have fun bringing them to life.
Ready to start turning your own memories—awkward, funny, or everyday—into stories that stick?
Download our FREE Story Starter Kit today! Inside, you’ll get:
Fun prompts to unlock hidden memories
Step-by-step exercises like “That Reminds Me of the Time”
Tips to craft your stories into engaging narratives
Download Your Free Story Starter Kit Now and start sharing your stories with confidence!
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