Why Storytelling Matters
● What separates a memorable ceremony from a forgettable one
● The celebrant as curator: your role in shaping how a couple’s story is told
● Understanding what couples (and their guests) actually want to feel
The Couple Interview: Going Deeper
● How to structure your pre-ceremony meetings for maximum storytelling gold
● The questions that unlock real stories (and the ones that shut people down)
● Listening for the moments that matter — the small details that say everything
● How to make couples feel safe enough to share the good stuff
Finding the Story in the Ordinary
● Every couple thinks their story is boring — your job is to prove them wrong
● Techniques for finding the emotional core of a relationship
● How to handle couples who “don’t have a story” or met on an app
● Choosing what to include and what to leave out
Shaping the Address
● Structure: how to open, build, and close a ceremony address
● Balancing warmth, humour, and sincerity
● Writing in your voice — not the voice you think you should have
● Avoiding clichés and the phrases that make guests cringe
Bringing it to Life in the Room
● The difference between writing for the page and writing for the ear
● Pacing, pausing, and the power of silence
● Reading your room and adjusting on the fly
● How to stay present and connected during delivery
Workshop: Story in Practice
● Group activity: bring a couple’s real (or fictional) story to life
● Peer feedback in a supportive setting
● Practical tips to take home and apply immediately