Word Parties
Word Party (n): A gathering of individuals (see also: Word Lovers) who read aloud pieces of their favorite written texts. May include novels, blogs, short stories, poems, essays, textbooks, etc. [unlimited field]
Word Party (v): To gather for a Word Party.
A Word Party is a celebration, a delectable feast of language; word-rich, potluck cheese plate. Consider it an alternative to the overdone Book Club; instead of a three hundred word novel, it’s based on a paragraph or poem or sentence. The texts will lead to honest, transparent conversations. Word Parties become a shared experience and language.
While these are "instructions,” the best Word Parties are distinctly casual and free form in nature. The Party will be completely different with each new combination of individuals and that’s the magic of it.
Step 1 Choose a Host
I’m assuming the person reading this guide is the Host they have in mind. Yes, dear reader, you may nominate yourself for the role.
No need to be an event planner for this. One of my favorite Word Party took place at a sandwich shop in a college town. We stayed so long after the kitchen closed that they finished cleaning and had to kick us out! Do you have any idea how great it is to have nothing to clean up at the end of the night?
Step 2 The Invitation
Invite all the people who love words and strange party gatherings. There is zero need for people to know each other. Strangers make fabulous Word Parties because the evening is based on discovery in language. The new people find common ground in the engagement with language.
Step 3 Choosing Words
Each attendee brings a much admired/beloved text: novel, short story, blog, comic strip, graphic novel, poem(s), collection, tweet, etc. No limits on genre or form. Only limitation is that it must have words.
Everyone must be prepared to explain what they like about the text they chose and why they brought it tonight.
Ideal text length will be short and savvy. Think a poem or a few paragraphs. Think cheese plate. Don’t think Paul’s Lion Head showstopper on Bread Week. (Wait, you don’t watch The Great British Baking Show? Are we even friends?)
Step 4 Welcome!
"If your relationship to words had a relationship status, what would it be and why?" This introductory icebreaker is sure to kick things off with a fun tone. But do what works for your people!
Step 5 Reading the Words
One person kicks it off by reading their text and explaining why they chose it. Allow conversations to spiral and explode in any direction!
One of my favorite moments in a Word Party was when a guest studying to be a veterinarian also loved philosophy. He brought Voltaire’s “Candide” and said, “I’ve never read this book before and meant to so I am going to read the first paragraph aloud and share this moment of beginning with you all.” This was then followed up by someone else sharing a webcomic that bizarrely dealt with similar themes. What perfection!
Step 6 Follow the conversation as it unfolds.
Tips for following:
Words that stand out
What the text reminds you of in your life
What the text reminds you of from other texts
Step 7 Next person!
When the conversation winds down around one text, it’s time for the next person. Pay attention to see if anyone is tired of the current thread or if one person is dominating the conversation. Don’t be afraid to redirect and invite a new quote to the table!
Try to give everyone a chance to share their piece. Sometimes that isn’t possible based on time but it’s a lovely bond to the evening if everyone has had the chance to present.
Step Wrapping Up
Set a time to end in the invitation so people don’t feel trapped waiting for everyone to have a turn. No one wants to be trapped, even at their favorite party of all time.
Also on people wanting to linger forever. New connections arise from a shared love of words!
Bonus Points:
Food + Drink--have it as an option at least. No one wants to be distracted by their bodily needs.
Circles/squares--have everyone sit where they can see each other. That can be in a circle or in a square/rectangle shape like a dining room table. I prefer this set up to a living room unless everyone’s face is visible in the living room.
This How To was originally written for and shared by The International Arts Movement in 2011.
And retweeted by Sara Groves, a singer/songwriter with unparalleled impact in my creative and spiritual life. Still not over it.
