Confluence Model of Storytelling©
Dr. David Gonzalez
Confluence – "A flowing together of two or more streams, a point at which streams combine."*
Description
The Confluence Model of Storytelling was created by David Gonzalez to teach his style of multi-modal performance. In this model the four distinct elements of communication; language, voice, gesture, and imagination, are seen as independent "rivers" which flow together – Confluence.
To enrich communication with imaginative confluence in order to create messages that stick.
Training Objectives
1. Participants will understand the theory and content of the Confluence Model of storytelling.
2. They will advance their ability to be expressive within each of the four expressive areas.
3. They will be able to combine these elements into more complex, layered communications.
4. They will be able to apply these to the telling of a classic story within small groups.
5. They will be able to apply these to a story relevant to their professional needs.
6. They will demonstrate an increased ability to establish and sustain rapport with their audience.
7. They will identify and label elements of the Confluence Model as seen in David Gonzalez's storytelling performance.
In the training module we first work to identify and enhance each expressive modality and then work to bring these streams into combination – i.e., to learn how gesture and voice flow together to intensify a narrative.
This is accomplished through:
1. Vocal exercises
2. Physical expression activities
3. Playing with the poetics of language
4. Releasing the imagination through interactive games
5. Combination exercises
Parallel Elements
1. Story structure
2. Memorization techniques
3. Building tension/release
4. Humor
5. Timing
6. Audience observation
Five Elements of the Riverbed
The "riverbed" through which the creative waters of the Confluence Model flow is comprised of five essential elements: intent, rapport, commitment, detachment, and compassion.
Training Goal
The Training Module
1. Clear intent – What is the purpose of the telling? What does the story say which you want to tell?
2. Rapport with the audience – Is there a feeling of trust? Will the audience "go there" with you?
3. Personal commitment – Are you behind this mission? Are you willing to put your creative intelligence into it?
4. Personal detachment – Can you set your ego aside from the performance so that the story can stand?
5. Compassionate action – How do tolerance, acceptance, and inspiration figure into your performance?
Take Home
Participants will receive:
1. The definition and design of Dr. Gonzalez's Confluence Model
2. Exercises for continued practice
3. A bibliography of storytelling resources
Mr. Gonzalez's DVDs and CDs are available for participants.
* Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Dr. David Gonzalez
Confluence – "A flowing together of two or more streams, a point at which streams combine."*
DescriptionThe Confluence Model of Storytelling was created by David Gonzalez to teach his style of multi-modal performance. In this model the four distinct elements of communication; language, voice, gesture, and imagination, are seen as independent "rivers" which flow together – Confluence.
To enrich communication with imaginative confluence in order to create messages that stick.
Training Objectives
1. Participants will understand the theory and content of the Confluence Model of storytelling.
2. They will advance their ability to be expressive within each of the four expressive areas.
3. They will be able to combine these elements into more complex, layered communications.
4. They will be able to apply these to the telling of a classic story within small groups.
5. They will be able to apply these to a story relevant to their professional needs.
6. They will demonstrate an increased ability to establish and sustain rapport with their audience.
7. They will identify and label elements of the Confluence Model as seen in David Gonzalez's storytelling performance.
In the training module we first work to identify and enhance each expressive modality and then work to bring these streams into combination – i.e., to learn how gesture and voice flow together to intensify a narrative.This is accomplished through:
1. Vocal exercises
2. Physical expression activities
3. Playing with the poetics of language
4. Releasing the imagination through interactive games
5. Combination exercises
Parallel Elements
1. Story structure
2. Memorization techniques
3. Building tension/release
4. Humor
5. Timing
6. Audience observation
Five Elements of the Riverbed
The "riverbed" through which the creative waters of the Confluence Model flow is comprised of five essential elements: intent, rapport, commitment, detachment, and compassion.
Training GoalThe Training Module
1. Clear intent – What is the purpose of the telling? What does the story say which you want to tell?
2. Rapport with the audience – Is there a feeling of trust? Will the audience "go there" with you?
3. Personal commitment – Are you behind this mission? Are you willing to put your creative intelligence into it?
4. Personal detachment – Can you set your ego aside from the performance so that the story can stand?
5. Compassionate action – How do tolerance, acceptance, and inspiration figure into your performance?
Take Home
Participants will receive:
1. The definition and design of Dr. Gonzalez's Confluence Model
2. Exercises for continued practice
3. A bibliography of storytelling resources
Mr. Gonzalez's DVDs and CDs are available for participants.
* Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.