Anecdote

An anecdote is a short incident used as a method of elaboration An anecdote is a short incident used as a method of elaboration. It is used as an example of a point, giving further proof or information.

Example: Marci wasn’t quite sure when the ritual started, but it was always the same. Her father would be driving, and she would put her feet up on the passenger-side dashboard, shoes and all - heels, flats, boots. It didn’t matter. She would close her eyes and let her right hand ease its way to the familiar path of the reclining lever of her seat. This was done with no words, as a punctuation mark of sorts - a period or an exclamation mark. She realized with increasing sadness that this act replaced conversation that father and daughter could have had. Instead, there was only silence.

Scientifically, there must be a name for something that wedges itself between two objects or, in her case, people. Marci could see the wedge, draw it in her mind even, but could not name it. Really, though, what did the name matter? The whatever-it-would-be-called was sharp and confident and knowing. It was her friend. What did matter was that this was her way of distancing herself from her father.

Activity: We are going to reread the passage. As we do, make a list of things that Marci does or descriptions the author uses that elaborate on the main point - Marci’s feeling of being distant from her father.

Exit Slip… Now create your own ANECDOTE… Purpose of Anecdotes: To Bring Cheer Sometimes telling a story just makes people laugh or brightens the mood. An example about a favorite recipes: the woman is sharing a tale with her friends or coworkers about a time that she experienced a disaster in the kitchen. Whether she tried to boil an egg without water or made fudge that turned as hard as a rock, the other people are sure to have a good laugh. To Reminisce Such as parents on Christmas morning or the elderly couple, people are talking about their pasts. They are looking back favorably on moments in their lives and sharing the joy of that time with others. To Caution In the fire safety case, the speaker is trying to show the audience what can happen if they do not follow proper procedures. Sometimes just laying out rules for individuals is not effective, and they need to hear frightening stories of dangers that can be avoided by following these regulations. To Persuade or Inspire Returning to the examples about tutors and tutoring sessions, the speakers want the students to know they are there to help, and that they have faced similar struggles. They want the students to know that there is the possibility of a brighter future if they put the work in.