Headlines (Repeated Speaking)

Speakers write a striking headline about something that happened to them, then sit with it displayed while listeners circulate and say "Tell me your story."

Procedure

1. About one-third of the class are speakers and two-thirds are listeners.
2. Each speaker thinks of an exciting or amusing thing that happened to them and writes a headline in large letters filling an A4 page. The headline should be striking enough to attract interest (e.g., Burning Bed Brings Pleasure or Rain of Terror).
3. Each speaker sits with their headline displayed in front of them.
4. Listeners move around individually, in pairs, or in small groups. When they see an interesting headline, they say "Tell me your story."
5. Each speaker tells their story multiple times to different listeners.

Tips

• The repeated telling naturally develops fluency as speakers refine their narrative with each retelling.
• No time pressure is involved, which allows speakers to improve accuracy and complexity across retellings.
• Works well as a follow-up to narrative writing or personal experience topics.
• Can swap roles on a different day so listeners get a turn as speakers.