Bootcamp Journal: 4 days at Storytelling in Transylvania

After a lot of preparation, emotions and smiles, we organized Storytelling in Transylvania Bootcamp in Sibiu, between the 4th and 7th of August. We had 4 days full of adventure, fun, outdoor activities and practical storytelling and public speaking workshops.

Our 9 participants met us in Sibiu, where they also met Vince Stevenson, our colleague trainer from UK and his lovely wife and daughter, Glaucia and Natalia.

DAY 1 – THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016

We arrived in Sibiu in the afternoon, after a long road. Our location was waiting for us with the calm and the fresh air of the surrounding forest. We were happy to meet the participants and to introduce them to Vince. He drove admirably from Bucharest to Sibiu and we were all impressed by his energy.

The first workshop of the bootcamp broke the barriers: participants presented themselves and discovered the benefits of listening carefully and discovering the stories around us as they unfold.

We prepared dinner together and everyone of us made a contribution. Dinner was ready in no time. Sitting around the dinner table, we felt as if we had already known each other for a long time and we were happy to share stories late in the night.

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DAY 2 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016

We got up early, had breakfast and then took the cars to Păltiniș, for our hiking trip. Some of us were not sure whether they could make it or not. This was the occasion to overcome our doubts and develop our personal leadership skills.

After the 3 hours of hiking, we stopped at Arka Park, for the zip line adventure. Although not sure what to expect of at first, everyone was smiling by the end of the activity. Yes, I made it  or God, it was difficult, but I am so glad I went up there, were things we could hear often. The objective of overcoming our fears while having fun at the same time was met!

In the afternoon, we continued the public speaking workshop with Vince, learning to overcome our fears of speaking in front of an audience and how to control our posture in order to relax and be at ease on stage.

DAY 3 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016

Saturday brought another challenge for the bootcamp participants: each one of them had to share a story in the Village Museum, combining personal elements with the inspiration from a particular house. Creativity, control of the speaking anxiety and connecting with the audience, to keep their attention are just a few of the benefits of this exercise.

In the second part of the day, Vince took the stage and participants practiced improved vocal techniques to reach an audience. They crafted the structure of their last speech, which was going to be filmed on Sunday.

Considering the hard work and their contribution, participants went out in Sibiu, for a night walk in the city center, enjoining a glass of wine and the company of their trainers.

DAY 4 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016

We felt like a big family in the bootcamp and knowking it was coming to an end made us feel nostalgic. We packed our things and headed to Sibiu, for the final speech. We chose Cafe Wien for this final task, for its lovely atmosphere and its delicious coffee.

Everybody was feeling nervous and enthusiastic. The knowledge they had received these last days, the constructive feedback from their colleagues and the atmosphere of growth and support, were announcing a great ending. The presentations went on and with every one of them, we felt we understand and appreciate more the person in front of us.

Participants told us: ”You have to continue to do this. It’s not only a place to learn public speaking and storytelling skills, it’s a place to discover and re-connect with yourself. I wasn’t expecting for it but I now think it’s the best training I have ever had”. We heard you and we will do our best for the next training to come.

See you in May 2017!