Each of our regional affiliates is unique and may adjust its competition requirements based on the needs of its coaches and participants. This article is aligned to the requirements for submissions in the Open Affiliate. The Open Affiliate serves students and coaches who are located outside of a current regional affiliate or whose affiliate does not offer the Storytelling program.
#1 Remember the purpose of the program
Future Problem Solving’s mission is to develop the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking. In the Storytelling program, students are asked to share a story set in a future they may actually live in. We hope that students tell audiences stories that focus on characters attempting to make a positive change in their world.
#2 Set the story 20-30 years in the future
Submitted stories, or scenarios, must take place 20-30 years in the future and be told as though the future is the current, present reality for the character(s). Futuristic concepts and trends should be incorporated into the story, but a specific date is not required.
#3 Avoid extremes
The Storytelling program strives to help students enlarge, enrich, and make more accurate their image of the future. Stories that focus on very violent or disturbing content, or ones that end with extremely negative futures, are not aligned with the goals of Future Problem Solving.
Instead, students are encouraged to share a story about a future they might live through and showcase positive possibilities or strategies to overcome challenges.
#4 Do your topic research
Students must tell a story that has a recognizable relationship to one of the annual topics. Strong stories have a connection to research and show clearly how the story relates to the topic, including futuristic and research trends. Each topic has a description and suggested readings in our Topics Center.
You can also purchase the topic research publications, which includes summaries and research at our online store.
#5 Watch the time
Students must keep their story under five minutes long. Stories lasting more than 5 minutes may score lower in ”Storytelling Technique” and “Development of Story” as their story will not be finished when their time runs out.
#6 Use appropriate movement
“Acting,” such as crouching, jumping, a character’s dramatic death, running, or elaborate movements are not permitted.
A storyteller can use hand gestures and slight movements to enhance their storytelling.
Performances are often recorded for evaluators to review, so any movement that takes the storyteller out of the camera’s frame may hurt a student’s score.
#7 Prepare to perform
Storytellers can choose to sit or stand during the performance. Also, they may use a maximum of 10 (4×6 inch or size A6) cue cards. Students should not use props, costumes, theatrical makeup, multimedia presentations, or other materials beyond the use of voice as these are not permitted.
#8 No identifying information
Storytellers are not permitted to wear clothing that identifies any affiliate Program. The student should also avoid any identifying information in their story, including their name, school, and affiliate Program.
#9 Students develop their own stories
Students compete individually, and stories must have a single author. While coaches, teachers, peers, and parents can offer feedback, the student must be the sole creator of the performance.
#10 Prepare for a live performance
During live competitions, a timekeeper will signal to participants when only 30 seconds remain. The timekeeper will signal again at the five-minute mark. At 5 minutes and 15 seconds, the student will be stopped.
#11 Record for virtual competition
Stories that are recorded for submission will be evaluated up to the 5 minute mark. The recording must be continuous, with no cuts, edits, or movements of the camera location. The focus must remain constant with the camera focusing on either the head-and-shoulders or the full-body of the participant, who may sit or stand. A storyteller and their coach can determine where to film the performance.
#12 Review information before the International Conference
The specifics for the International Conference competition, such as topic and performance format, may vary from those at your affiliate event. Details for the International Conference will be released on March 1 prior to the International Conference.
