May 5 Event Theme: View
PITCH SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED
“View” — Personal Stories on Mental Wellness
With the support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Community Grant Program and partnership with the Halifax Central Library, Halifax Story Slam invites story submissions for View.
We’re looking for true, personal stories — told as remembered — centred on mental wellness and a meaningful change in you.
About the theme: View
View is an open-ended theme, not a literal one. It’s yours to interpret in whatever way feels meaningful.
It might reflect:
- a shift in perspective or understanding
- a change in belief or self-awareness
- a new way of seeing yourself, others, or the world
- or something entirely your own
We’re inviting people to share one transformative moment, time, or experience connected to mental wellness — something that changed how you see or understand your life.
Your story doesn’t need to be fully polished or have a perfect arc, but it should hook us and make us want to hear more.
The Story Slam journey
If selected, you’ll take part in a guided storytelling journey that helps you shape your true story into something you’re proud to share.
This journey culminates in a live, unscripted telling — no notes, no pages, no presentation — shared in front of an audience.
You must be available for monthly in-person meetings (see schedule) in Halifax at the Halifax Central Library, where you’ll work collaboratively with your cohort and our story editors.
Best practices for strong Story Slam stories
Strong stories tend to:
- Focus on a specific moment, time, or experience.
- Reveal a shift or transformation in perspective, awareness, coping, or care.
- Move beyond a simple beginning-to-end summary.
- Create a sense of presence that invites the audience to lean in.
These stories often work best when they zoom in on one moment, rather than trying to cover everything.
What we’re NOT looking for
- Motivational or inspirational speeches
- TED-style talks or keynotes
- Clinical explanations, diagnoses, or professional case studies
- General advice or opinion pieces
- Full life stories from start to finish
- Someone else’s story or second-hand experiences
- Stories that rely on graphic detail to be understood
- Sales pitches
You don’t need to share everything to share something meaningful.
A note on language
Mental health speaks to how we’re doing emotionally and psychologically.
Mental wellness is the everyday ways we support ourselves, build resilience, and stay connected.
Story details
- Told live, in the first person (no notes or props)
- 7–10 minutes (TBD)
- No storytelling experience required
- Selected storytellers attend evening, on-site cohort meetings at the Halifax Central Library (see timeline)
Content note
Stories may include personal experiences related to mental wellness. Share only what feels safe. Stories do not need to centre crisis or recovery.
Is this story right for me?
If a moment from your life shifted how you understand your mental wellness — and you’re ready to share it — this story may be yours.
Final note: The main event is publicly live streamed and recorded for future viewing.
Sample Stories on Mental Wellness
