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When you hear, "tell me a story," does your mind suddenly go blank Don't panic. The good news is, you're already a natural storyteller! Surprised You shouldn't be. It's built right into our genetic code. Human beings are a storytelling species. Of all the creatures on Earth, we're the only ones that share past memories and future dreams as a way to get to know others, build friendships, plan an endeavor, inspire a group.
In fact, we're usually telling ourselves some kind of story all the time - about our job, a relationship, the kids, neighbors down the street, our next vacation. You name it, and we're probably making up a story about it!
So, with all that creativity just naturally flowing, the secret is how to channel it into crafting a story that's interesting and fun for others to hear.
How, in other words, do you go from being a "natural" storyteller to being a good one Here are 10 tips that will get you started in the right direction.
1. Know your audience. Do you want to tell stories to your kids Your grandchildren Your child's third-grade class Co-workers Family friends The charming participation stories that enchant children may seem patronizing or insulting to a group of adults.
2. Choose a story you genuinely like. It could be a traditional folk tale or fairy story. A historical tale. A personal story. The most important thing is that you really like it. It doesn't matter how exciting a story might be or how well you tell it; if you really don't care about it, your audience will be bored too. Guaranteed.
3. Keep it short. A good story doesn't have to be long and elaborate. Especially when you're just starting out, it's much easier to practice and polish a piece that's only 4-5 minutes long.
4. Find out what the story is really about. Why do you want to tell this particular story What does it mean to you The exact same story may mean something different to every teller. That's fine. When you discover what the "heart" of the story is for you, you'll automatically find the passion and life in it.
5. Tear it down to the bare bones. Particularly if you're starting with a written text, read the story over a couple of times to get the basic outline, and then lay the book aside. See what you remember when you simply tell it. These points will become the foundation for rebuilding the story using your own creativity.
6. Know where you're going. Make sure you have a beginning, middle and end for your story. A good storyteller never makes the audience nervous that they (and you) are lost.
7. Practice out loud. Get in the habit of talking to yourself. You can never become a good storyteller by telling the story in your head, no matter how many times you practice. Tell the story in your car while commuting to work. Tell it in the shower. Tell it to your dog (pets tend to make quite good listeners, by the way). Tell your story over and over until you're as comfortable in it as you are in your favorite jeans.
8. Find your own voice. Listen to other storytellers to hear different styles of telling: flamboyant...quiet...dramatic...quirky...laid back...funny...serious. The list could go on and on. Notice which tellers appeal to you and which ones don't. There are no right or wrong ways to tell a story; there's only what's right for you.
9. Don't memorize. Storytelling isn't a theatrical performance. It's a shared experience. No matter how many times you tell a particular story - as long as you haven't committed it word-for-word to memory - you never know when something brand new and absolutely delightful will show up.
10. Roll with the punches. Did you suddenly remember a critical piece of the story you totally forgot to mention earlier No problem. Bring it up when you think of it and let your audience be part of the discovery process. ("And what I didn't tell you before, was...")
Most importantly, trust the stories that choose you to be told through. Follow their lead. When you do, both you and your listeners will embark on a magical journey you'll not soon forget.
Nancy Binzen 2004
Nancy Binzen is a certified storyteller with 30 years of experience as a corporate communicator. To hear great storytelling from around the world by award-winning artists, visit her website at http://www.wisdomtracks.com.
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Winners announced in Luling's 'Heart of Texas' children's show The Gonzales Cannon “We loved being able to do this for the children and encourage their interest in art, creativity and their community.” The judges were previous “Best of Show” award winners in the adult “Reflections of Texas” art show held each September at the museum. |
The 10 Keys To Selling Anything Huffington Post That was about a little over a year ago I decided to make the shift where I was just going to open the kimono at jamesaltucher.com and say everything I wanted to say, and at the same time indulge in my love of writing, art, creativity, and reading. |
Twitter Casts a LoveSpell for Valentine's Day! PR Web (press release) I love music, art, creativity in all its forms. I love playing with children and being child-like with adults. I love remembering great memories, my passions and even my passwords. I love the word “and” because it's the most hopeful word in the English ... |
Burgan Bank sponsors “Salhia Speaks Italian” Exhibition Jordan Directions “Salhia Speaks Italian” served as an ideal platform for visitors to experience different forms of art, creativity, craftsmanship and artisanal excellence that Italy is famous for across the world. It also offered an opportunity for visitors to ... |
'Adventures in Illegal Art';: Founding member of Negativland to visit Rowan NJ.com Band members occasionally serve as citizen lobbyists in Washington DC for issues focusing on art, creativity and copyright law. Negativland has operated “Over the Edge,” a weekly radio show in Berkeley, Calif. since 1981. In 1995, the band released a ... |
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