or 
Paul McHugh comments:
We each have something we can teach others. That sort of sharing is one of the best forms of social interaction. Most of my teaching takes place in the realm of outdoor sports and skills, and in the realm of story-telling and writing.
I've taught classes called, “Art of the Narrative,” and "Art of the Short Memoir" for Santa Clara University’s adult education program, OLLI (Osher Life-long Learning Institute), in San Jose. The classes were popular, and likely be offered again. Stay tuned!
Find OLLI registration information at http://www.scu.edu/osher/
In addition, I can provide ad hoc seminars for groups, and coaching for individuals.
Below runs some text used to introduce a collection of student stories on the OLLI web site. It will give you an idea of the tone and tenor of the class. Following that is a summary of the syllabus.
Introduction to Art of Narrative Many splendid treasures are stored in our personal memories, as well as in our family histories. In these repositories can be found gems of experience, humorous or touching encounters, wry anecdotes, wisdom for living. How can such things be both saved and shared? By bringing them back to life in the form of stories. The telling of tales is a native, natural skill for all humans. Still, it often lies fallow or latent.
When I first conceived of this class – at the invitation of administrator Dorothea French – I knew immediately I did not want to make it strictly a writing seminar. Many writing classes already exist; they tend to rigorously focus on technique; and they hold out false hope that a few weeks of study can transform someone into a writer. Trust me: Just like sculpting or painting or playing music, writing is a major artistic discipline. Mastery is a lifelong project.
Story-telling, on the other hand, is already a big part of everyone’s life. Those seeds have already been planted; most people have experienced their growth. All that is required to encourage those green shoots to spring more robustly into view is a bit of irrigation with permission, as well as the sustained sunshine of enthusiasm. I feel pleased, proud and happy to say that this formula worked for OLLI’s first “Art of the Narrative” class. Some two dozen students came for five weeks to the class. Tentative beginnings soon gave way to forthright recounting of important events in their lives, as well as those of friends and relations.
By class end, these new tale-tellers were able to stand up and proclaim to the room some key events, their struggles and triumphs, some acts of daring by their ancestors, bygone days in home towns, and the love stories that eventually resulted in their own births.
Naturally, since these stories were written down, elements of writing were also taught. But this was done in an atmosphere of fun, and so an increase in writing skill was gained in a painless manner. Tricks and techniques for better public speaking were also revealed and shared. And awareness was heightened about the virtual sea of stories - an ocean of narratives through which we sail as we simply live our lives.
Some of the students were willing to share their stories beyond the boundaries of the classroom; you will find them posted. As you read and enjoy these yarns, please take a moment to think about your own tales, the stories that are important to you and your families and friends. If you feel that you would like to bring these gems out into light of day and polish them a bit prior to showing them around and sharing them, perhaps we’ll see you at the next “Art of the Narrative” class, offered in spring of 2009. “Continuing the Narrative” will be offered in the fall.
Syllabus
“Writer Paul McHugh helps class members take personal ownership of the ancient craft of story-telling, and make it an important, entertaining, and enduring part of everyday life. The five, two-hour sessions include: 1) Word Power – the launch of language, the well of writing, and the birth of story-telling; 2) A Novel Life – discovering the drama in your individual and family narratives; 3) Tale-teller’s Toolkit – plot, character, scene, voice and essential elements of stories; 4) Craft of Construction – art in story assembly; 5) Spinning the Yarn – secrets of well-spoken narratives.”