'Narrative Battles': Harnessing Conflict for Constructive Change

'Narrative Battles' program promotes resilience, empathy and conflict resolution in young people, building stronger school communities and collaborative learning environments.

This innovative initiative combines an analytical exploration of conflict in various forms of media combined with practical, hands-on experience- enhancing communication skills and developing higher levels of emotional intelligence.

Participants will create a video podcast (or series of episodes) exploring different approaches towards conflict resolution. This may involve capturing interviews with individuals talking about real experiences where they have faced and overcome adversity or conflict.

Designed to develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for different opinions and perspectives, students will be inspired throughout each stage of the discovery, storytelling and content creation process.

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Custom Content Planning

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Each program we deliver is bespoke, typically delivered over 6 or 12 sessions, for up to 30 young people.

In which case, it could involve the following 12 modules:
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Phase 1: Introduction to Conflict in Storytelling

Session 1 - The Role of Conflict in Narratives ‍

Overview of conflict in storytelling, its types, and why it's crucial for developing meaningful narratives. Examples from literature, music, film, and other media participants will find relatable will be referenced to illustrate how conflict drives the story forward and keeps audiences engaged.

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Session 2 - Types of Conflicts

Exploration of, and differentiation between, interpersonal, intrapersonal, community, and societal conflicts. Group discussions explore each type of conflict in participants' favourite stories or media. Students will craft a story with a main character who is facing some form of conflict or challenge. 

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Phase 2: Understanding Conflict Resolution

Session 3 - Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution

Introduction to conflict resolution skills, including communication strategies, empathy, and negotiation. Role-playing exercises to practice these skills in hypothetical scenarios and different types of stories. These exercises can be filmed by other students on the program if required, as part of this module. Students revisit the story they had started, and look at what their character needs to do in order to work through their conflict in order to overcome and progress through the story. 

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Session 4 - Cultural & Historical Contexts of Conflict

Exploration on how cultural and historical contexts influence the nature and resolution of conflicts. Participants analyse case studies of historical conflicts and resolutions to understand the impact on communities and societies. In addition to this, students will complete the story they started in session 2, focusing on how the protagonist will overcome their conflict and how they have changed at the end of the story.  

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Phase 3: Social & Emotional Learning & Analysis

Session 5 - Emotional Intelligence in Conflict Situations

Workshop on recognising emotions in oneself and others and managing emotions during conflicts. Exercises in self-reflection to improve intrapersonal conflict resolution.

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Session 6 - Critical Thinking in Analysing Conflicts

Training on applying critical thinking to dissect conflicts, understanding different perspectives, and predict outcomes. Group activities to analyse conflicts in selected pieces of media, such as in films or TV programs.

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Phase 4: Video Podcast Production

Session 7 - Planning the Podcast

Brainstorming and selecting stories of individuals who have faced and overcome personal conflicts or challenges, resolved conflicts, achieved success, or fostered understanding. Students will be introduced to the structure of the podcast format and begin scripting their first episode.

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Session 8 - Interviewing & Storytelling Techniques

Training on conducting effective interviews that capture the depth of the conflict and resolution journey. Students will develop a list of questions they can ask the person being interviewed, which can be from a pre-selected list of interviewees. Students will be introduced to storytelling techniques to convey the emotional and transformative aspects of different narratives.
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‍Phase 5: Production & Post-Production

Session 9: Filming & Recording

Participants conduct their interview, drawing out and capturing engaging stories. They will rotate through roles such as director, interviewer, camera operator, sound technician and lighting director. Students will gain hands-on experience with filming equipment and how to set up and prepare for a video podcast interview.

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Session 10 - Editing & Finalising

Workshop on editing software and techniques to compile and enhance the podcast episodes. Finalising the video podcast series with added visuals, graphics, titles, music and narrative coherence.

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Phase 6: Showcase & Reflection

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Session 11 - Reflection & Showcase Preparation

Students participate in reflective discussions in the studio, where they film each other sharing lessons learned about conflict and resolution, from the interviewee/interviewees and their involvement throughout the production process. This could also be an opportunity to share or present a story, give a talk or presentation to conclude the program. If a creative showcase is planned, they will organise an event for the school and community to view the completed episodes.

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Session 12 - "Narrative Battles" Showcase

Public screening of the completed video podcast series for the school community, families, and invited guests. Feedback session and group reflection on the learning journey, discussing insights gained about conflict resolution and storytelling.
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Program Outcomes
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Enhanced Understanding of Conflict

• Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of conflict's role in storytelling and its parallels in real life.

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Conflict Resolution Skills

• Through practical exercises and real-life storytelling, participants will develop effective strategies for resolving various conflicts.

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Emotional & Social Intelligence

• Engaging in emotional learning and critical analysis will foster participants' empathy and self-awareness, leading to enhanced communication skills and a deeper appreciation for different opinions and diverse perspectives.
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Creative Expression

• Producing a video podcast allows participants to creatively express stories of resilience and understanding, showcasing their technical and narrative skills.
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'Narrative Battles' promises to be a transformative experience, equipping participants with the tools to understand and navigate conflicts constructively- while fostering a culture of empathy and resilience through the power of storytelling.

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Email contact@poweredbystories.co.uk to arrange a discussion about how this program can be adapted to your school, your organisation or your young people's specific requirements.

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See examples of our video production work with schools and colleges here - learn more about our other video podcast programs here.

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