How to use the resources

If you have access to background information, you can select the cards you think you will need ahead of time. This makes the resources easier to manage and more time efficient. 

If you use the same cards frequently it can be helpful to organise the cards in sets that suit you. For example, a ‘bail process’ set or a ‘DVO conditions’ set.

Make sure you have plenty of space to lay out the story cards in their logical order to explain the legal issue. This will help ensure all the messages can be clearly seen and understood by all parties.

It is essential to build rapport first before you introduce the story cards respectfully. E.g., “Can we use these cards to help us talk about the legal problem?” The story cards won’t be suitable for every client and every legal situation. It is ok not to use the cards if a client is uncomfortable.

Good storytelling always introduces characters early. Be sure to start with the people cards. This can be done using cards like ‘lawyer’ or ‘accused’ but there are also blank people cards that you can use to write someone’s name across the bottom - just be sure to use a whiteboard marker!

There are no punctuation marks available when using the story cards. Instead, add space between cards to help separate ideas or different options. 

The cards were created to support two-way conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or invite participants to add/change story cards during the session. This helps to build trust and gauge the level of understanding of participants.