What a Moderator Does
In the Story Booth, the moderator’s role is to guide a conversation that helps create the conditions for someone to tell the truth about a moment that changed them.
The best Story Booth conversations feel like sitting across from an old friend in a quiet room. The storyteller is invited to remember, and the moderator’s presence is what makes that remembering safe. For more of a flavor, view articles from past Story Booth conversations on our Story Booth page.
Most conversations operate at Level 1 or 2. The Story Booth invites its moderators to hold space at Level 3 and 4 — where the story that wants to emerge can find its voice.
Four Levels of Listening
Based on Otto Scharmer’s Theory U framework, adapted for the Story Booth practice.
Listening that confirms what you already believe. Nothing new enters.
Listening for what differs from what you know. Good science. Open mind.
Perception shifts from your world into theirs. You forget your agenda and begin to see through someone else’s eyes. This is where you sense what someone means before the words take form.
Beyond empathy into emergence. The moderator’s presence creates a clearing where something new can come into being — for the storyteller, the listeners, and the moderator. Everyone in the room has changed.
This is why every Story Booth begins with silence — not as ritual, but as a shift in the place from which we listen.
Before the Session
- Read the storyteller’s background. The coordinator will share a brief note. Let it sit with you — no need to over-prepare, but a little familiarity ahead of time makes it much easier for the conversation to flow.
- Prepare 5–10 open-ended seed questions — not a script, but enough range to explore the storyteller’s theme from different angles. “Take me to the moment when…” and “What did that feel like from the inside?” are good places to start.
- Recommended pre-chat. Explore having a brief intro call with the storyteller, just to get acquainted. This is not required, but many moderators find this helpful to establish a dynamic before the Story Booth.
- Clear your own space. Close other tabs. Silence notifications. Arrive 5 minutes early.
- Remember: this is a conversation, not a presentation. The storyteller isn’t delivering a prepared talk — they’re exploring a turning point with you.
During the Session
Opening (first 5 minutes)
The coordinator welcomes everyone and leads a minute of silence. When it ends, you begin. A warm, grounded opening that acknowledges the storyteller and the circle sets the right tone — keep it brief and natural.
The Conversation (40–50 minutes)
- Follow the energy, not your questions. If the storyteller goes somewhere unexpected and it feels alive, follow. Your seed questions are a safety net, not a track.
- Listen for the turning point. Somewhere there’s a hinge — the moment things shifted. When you sense it, slow down. Ask them to stay there.
- Use silence generously. After they finish a thought, wait. Count to three internally. Often the most important thing comes after the pause.
- Reflect back what you hear. With curiosity, not certainty: “It sounds like that moment changed something for you…” or “I’m hearing that the real shift was…” This helps the storyteller hear themselves and go deeper.
- Don’t fix, advise, or relate. Resist sharing your own similar experience. This is their moment.
Closing (last 5 minutes)
The coordinator signals when time is winding down. Find a natural resting point. You might close with: “Is there anything we haven’t touched that feels important?” Then hand back to the coordinator for closing reflections.