Storytelling Tips

by Sylvia Payne

(A few tips I have learned through the years.) 

·         If you are just beginning, it’s best to start by learning a simple story.  Avoid complexity for your first attempt.  KISS (Keep it simple Simon.)

·         It takes much searching to find the "right" story.

·         Select a story that speaks out to you - if you don't care for the story, you will not be your best when telling.  (Your audience can often detect this.)

·         Choose something that is within the proper age range if you are telling to children.  But you can get away with children's stories when telling to adults.

·         You may wish to begin with an Aesop's Fable, fairytale or folktale.  "The Storyteller's Start-up Book" by Margaret Read McDonald is a good reference tool.  This book can be helpful for beginning and advanced storytellers. 

·         In most situations, do not memorize.  One exception may be certain phrases at the beginning and ending of the story.

·         Visualize the story as a movie or series of pictures in your imagination.

·         There are many ways to learn your story:  Read the story over and over again then close the book and visualize the entire scenario in your head.

·         Outline your story on paper. 

·         Practice before a mirror, practice by telling into a tape or video recorder, tell it to a member of your family, write out the story outline, tell it to yourself.

Finally, practice by telling your story to a couple of kids or friends.  Find a safe and forgiving audience!

·         Ask for positive feedback or suggestions.

·         Write down key words that you don’t want to forget.  Carry this with you on a small card or piece of paper that you can hold in the palm of your hand.  Review it just before your first “real” performance begins.

·         As you progress with the story, watch for audience reactions to see if something should be added, changed or enhanced.  Example:

1-  Was your audience puzzled at a certain point in the story?  If so, you should find another way to deliver that portion of the story.  Was your language far too sophisticated for your listeners?

2- Did they laugh at certain places in the story?  Could you add even more enhancements to make it more interesting?

·         Make a mental note of audience reactions or have someone help by taking notes for you.  These observations should be referred to as you gain experience and expand your repertoire.

·         Unless you are among friends, never begin your performance with an apology.  In most cases an apology is an automatic turnoff for your audience.  It’s a warning to them that they are about to hear a “poor” performance.

·         If you are in the middle of a story and realize that you left out something important - don't let the audience know that you forgot.  Remain calm. Don't panic! Instead, say something like, "But there's something you need to know." Then deliver that part of the story you left out.  Most of the audience will think it was planned that way.

·         Avoid telling stories in busy or noisy places.  There should be no interruptions to distract the audience. 

·         If using a microphone, be certain you test it before time to speak.  Practice and know how to use it.