About us
Yay! Our website has everything here and more: https://zurichstorytellers.ch/
RSVP by securing a ticket for shows on EventFrog or at the door.
ZURICH STORYTELLERS (ZST) is a non-profit organization producing storytelling events and workshops for our story loving community. Because we believe stories matter. They shape the way we perceive ourselves, our causes, what’s at stake and whether others will care.
STORY SLAMS
ZST live events are an intimate fun-filled evening of 5-minute stories by people who have a passion and desire to share an authentic true story with their hometown crowd. The stage is open to everyone, but our (very cool) L200 event space has limited seating - reserve yours now.
WHAT’S A STORYSLAM?
The StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition. Anyone with a true story to share on the night’s theme is welcome. All stories should be 5 minutes or less and true, as recalled by the storyteller.
STORY BUILDING
To help you tell better stories at work, home or the pub, we host storytelling workshops. It's for members who want to learn (more) about the art and craft of story creation. An opportunity to create, iterate and practice storytelling so you can confidently tell your story on stage at an upcoming ZST event - or bring a smile to the faces of friends, family and colleagues.
OUR PURPOSE
Is leveraging the power of storytelling to foster change through meaningful relationships. Because ironically, in a world where everyone is digitally connected 24/7, alienation and isolation are endemic. Sharing our stories leads to meaningful relationships and relationships are the foundation of community AND a community makes facilitating change possible. Join our cause by adding your story to our community.
10+ STORYTELLING TIPS
Here are 10 useful tips - from an exciting beginning to emotionally satisfying ending:Â
Hook us. Make us care about you. Paint the scene. Clearly state your fears, desires, the dilemma. Make us invested in the outcome. Introduce the conflict. Make us worried for you. Impress us with observations that are uniquely yours. Pull us into the moment when it all goes down. Conclude as a different person: Victorious? Defeated? Bewildered? Enlightened? … CHANGED !!
Upcoming events
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- CHFÂ 25.00
Open-mic StorySLAM 🎙 WHAT I DIDN'T SAY
jenseits IM VIADUKT, Bogen 11 | 12 , Viaduktstrasse 65, ZĂĽrich, CH### THE SILENCE LOUDER THAN WORDS
They say February is the month of love, but the most profound love stories are often lived in the silent, sacred space of the unspoken. For this month’s theme: WHAT I DIDN’T SAY, we invite you to explore the gap between what you wanted to say and what stayed trapped in your chest.
We've all been there: The moment the door closed, the train pulled away, or the phone clicked off, and you realized you left the most important part unsaid. Or when you were stunned silent by serendipitous good fortune or a stranger’s act of kindness that left you speechless.
“Hello darkness, my old friend... > Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping > And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains > Within the sound of silence.” — Simon & Garfunkel
### PROMPTS TO SPARK THE FIRE:
- Buried Confession: An illicit romance or secret crush where you played it cool, while your heart was staging a riot.
- The Letter Never Sent: A tale of sacrifice or a moment of "insane desire" that you keep/kept tucked away in a drawer—or haunting your mind.
- The Master of Silence: When "What I Didn't Say" was a masterful act of protection (or a questionable decision) for someone you loved.
"The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause." — Mark Twain
### WILL YOU SPEAK YOUR TRUTH?
- Come to listen to true stories told live - or share one of yours. Whether it’s about a missed connection at the HB or a realization that came years too late, our community wants to hear yours.
- Here’s the drill:
- Qualify for our main stage spotlight by purchasing 1 of 10 “I want to tell a story” tickets on EventFrog — or drop your name in the StorySLAM hat when doors open at 19:00. Names drawn until we run out of time.
- The Craft: Prepare a 5-minute true story (no notes, just heart).
- The Glory: The audience votes for their favorite story, with the winner heading toward our annual GrandSLAM!
** Thur. Feb. 26th, 2026**
⌚ 19:00 doors open | 19:30 show begins
** jenseits Im Viadukt, 8005 Zurich**
️ TICKETS: on EVENTFROG or at the door** All tickets include a voucher for a free drink
3 attendees - CHFÂ 149.00
STORYTELLING WORKSHOP: TRANSFORM WITH STORY
L200, Langstrasse 200, 8005 ZĂĽrich, CH### **** visit ZST workshop webpage for total immersion
### STOP OVERTHINKING. START TELLING
Have you ever sat in the audience at a StorySLAM and thought, “I have a story like that, but I have no idea how to tell it”? Or maybe you have the idea, but you just don’t know how to make a 20-minute anecdote fit into an emotionally moving, 5-minute StorySLAM winner.
Storytelling is a skill, not a secret gift. Whether you’re an aspiring newcomer looking to debut at our next StorySLAM, a professional wanting to have more impact in meetings, or a creator explaining your mission—this 3-hour intensive is the roadmap you've been waiting for.### THE ROADMAP: THE 1-2-3 OF A GREAT STORY
We strip away the jargon and focus on the purpose of you telling your story that actually touches people’s emotions:
- CONTEXT (The Foundation): Setting the scene so we know where we are and who you were before everything changed.
- STAKES (The Why): Why does this matter? What was at risk? Stakes are the tension you wind up that makes an audience lean into your story.
- CHANGE (The Transformation): A story isn’t just a thing that happened; it’s how that thing changed you. We help you find your "Aha!" moment.
### WHAT YOUR INVESTMENT DELIVERS:
- 20% Insight / 80% Practice: We don’t just talk; we help you build, iterate and empower you to tell your story.
- Memory Mining: We’ll help you dig for the "silver and gold" experiences, people and places - and shape them into a moving personal story.
- 1-on-1 Coaching: Direct feedback from Maria and Joel to polish your rough edges - plus reactions of fellow attendees.
- The Video: Receive a high-quality video of your performance—perfect for self-review or your personal highlight reel.
Small Group Alert: We limit this workshop to 10 spots to ensure everyone gets the "Olympic Coach" treatment.
Don’t let your best stories stay locked away. Come for the camaraderie (and coffee), stay for the transformation. Secure your seat (and your croissant) now!Story Workshop Programme
10:00 - 11:00 Part 1 - 20% INSIGHT- Foundations of storytelling
- A process for story design
- Mining memories for silver and gold
11:00 - 12:00 Part 2 - 80% PRACTICE
- First build - drafts with peer participant reviews
- 1:1 coaching with Maria and Joel
- Final drafts - practice round with fellow participants
12:00 - 12:10 Short drink break
12:10 - 13:00 Part 3 - StorySLAM mini-Show
- Draw names from the story-sorting hat
- Deliver 5-min StorySLAM on stage
- Celebrate! our accomplishments!
13:00 Wrap up and goodbyes
Secure your spot ON EVENTFROG - limited availability
PS
Check out what workshop attendees have to say about their expereince in this 1:45 min YT video)2 attendees
Past events
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