I’ll tell you my story in pictures
The exercise fosters creativity and storytelling skills by using images to craft narratives, supporting safe and authentic self-expression.
Duration: 95 minutes for a group of 10 participants. 10 minutes for introduction and card selection, 6 minutes per participant (3 minutes for group comments and 3 minutes for each story), 10 minutes for summary.
Difficulty level: 2/5
Preparation
Metaphor cards, photos, or images in a quantity greater than the number of participants.
We gather in a circle or semi-circle to ensure everyone can see and hear each other.
Instructions
Prepare metaphor cards, photos, or images, and spread them out on the table or floor. Ask participants to approach the cards and select one they would metaphorically like to “wear” that day, presenting it to the world. The chosen card should represent their “here and now” — how they feel today or where they are in life (10 minutes).
The first volunteer presents their card to the group, who then has the opportunity to interpret it. Ask: “What do you see? What message do you think this card conveys about this person?” Not everyone has to speak — a few responses will suffice (3 minutes).
After hearing the group’s interpretations, the card owner shares why they chose that particular card, what’s important about it, what it says about them, and what they wish to communicate to the world. They can also explain whether the card reflects just their current day or a broader moment in their life (3 minutes).
Once they’re finished, the next person sitting beside them presents their card. The exercise concludes when all participants have shared their cards.
Wrap-up
Ask participants how they felt working with the metaphor. How did they perceive the group’s interpretations?