A good story is often described as content that interests the audience or is important enough to hear.
←BUT →
What makes a good storyteller?
This is someone who can make anything interesting to the right audience, ( or maybe even the wrong audience)
A storyteller should focus its stories so you Connect-Engage and Inspire your listener.
The
right subject, or story, of course makes this very doable, but what
happens when you have a story you are telling and its easy to see your
audience is not very interested (engaged).
Suppose you are the
storyteller who finds yourself struggling with the story line while
watching your audience fidget or become distracted? Do you find it
difficult to recall your next line? Does frustration or embarrassment
start to overtake you while you try to stay with the story, slowly
feeling your face redden, your palms sweat, and shortly a feeling of
disappointment?
So how does the storyteller avoid these pitfalls at all costs?
Well, sometimes we just can't, however there are some good lessons and habits I have learned along the way that certainly help.
How a story is told is far more
important to the audience than the actual topic. The best
story is well-told with expression, interaction and emotion and usually
about something the audience feels is relevant
or significant. The more verified information from sources that exhibit
expertise, the more at ease and connected you will feel with the
audience.
I
have been telling stories for 60+ years, when I was growing up many
referred to these stories as "trying to get attention, interfering,
rude, little white lies, etc." In those days it was common to listen to
stories from the older family members, they knew the stories and how to
tell them.
Tales, folklore and stories of the olden days were
shared about pioneers,Indians, immigration, ghost stories, grandpa, the
war. Most anything of good learning was told as a story. Many folks
today can still recall those stories, and would love to re-tell them
just as grandma did. So what has changed? When did storytelling become
about writing ,acting, improv, performing, quality education? Wasn't a
good story told over breaking beans on the old front porch next to the
rocking chair? Oral tradition was pasted from generation to generation
in the form of the old folks stories.
In today's generation we are
blessed (or cursed) with technology. Although traditional storytelling
is still shared by word of mouth whenever people get together to
socialize. We now have visual photography, stories on video, voice on
digital , blogs, social media,stories through music. Technology has
allowed the human race to enjoy and utilize all forms of storytelling.
My
years as a storyteller has been one of hobby. I enjoy listening to
people share their life's history and heritage with me. I then in turn
share these stories with others. along the way I have worked to perfect
my craft and listed below are my 10 steps to becoming a confident and
interesting storyteller.
1. It all starts with a good story , of course. One that will spark emotion with your audience.
2. Get your audience interested in your topic. give them attention to get their attention.
3.Be
confident in your delivery to keep them engaged. If your story happens
to be fictional work to produce enthusiasm and authenticity
4.A storyteller is not an actor,don't over perform. speak slowly and project your voice when needed.
5.Do not use words like, UH, ANYWAYS, and YOU KNOW. (practice)
6.Timing is important, build your story to heighten the secrets,mysteries, punch lines, etc.
7.Don't be afraid to be spontaneous, keep your audience engaged. Use props if needed.
8.Be aware of eye contact. Keep your focus on the entire area, sweeping the space, and drawing them in.
9.Stay energized.
10. Make it memorable.
I would like receive your feedback on storytelling. I will be updating this blog often. Your suggestions for what you would like to see will be appreciated.
