Let us create a 3D eBook for you!
Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com

Telling It Like It Is (Or Can Be)


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.


MORE RESOURCES:

Creativity - Google News

Creativity 50: Conversation with Kogi's Chef Roy Choi - Creativity


Creativity 50: Conversation with Kogi's Chef Roy Choi
Creativity
Chef Roy Choi was recently featured in the 2010 Creativity 50, along with his partner Mark Manguera. Here's the full interview with the straight up, ...

Creativity, Creation and The Dubai Lit Fest - Huffington Post (blog)


Creativity, Creation and The Dubai Lit Fest
Huffington Post (blog)
... lacked a community event that could unite disparate people around a central theme of books, literature, creativity and expression was what led to the ...

and more »

Inspiration is the color of creativity - Daily Astorian


Inspiration is the color of creativity
Daily Astorian
The teacher welcomed having a creative project for her students that didn't take a big chunk out of her own jam-packed schedule. ...

and more »

Jon Stewart to Perform at Story Pirates Fundraiser Hosted by John Oliver, 3/21 - Broadway World


Jon Stewart to Perform at Story Pirates Fundraiser Hosted by John Oliver, 3/21
Broadway World
The Story Pirates' second annual After School Special fundraiser seeks to raise over $100000 for arts and creative writing programs in underfunded New York ...

and more »

A Fountain of Bag Creativity - New York Times


The Guardian

A Fountain of Bag Creativity
New York Times
The Vuitton setting, in the courtyard of one of Paris's monumental buildings, was a neat metaphor for the fountain of creativity that has come from the best ...
Louis Vuitton Show Parades New AND Iconic Supermodels (PHOTOS)Huffington Post (blog)

all 18 news articles »

Artists expressing creativity at Metra station - Chicago Daily Herald


Artists expressing creativity at Metra station
Chicago Daily Herald
A pair of Lake Villa artists is bringing its creativity to bear on the town's Metra station in the coming weeks. ...

and more »

Murdoch urges Mideast to open up media - Financial Times


The Guardian

Murdoch urges Mideast to open up media
Financial Times
In a nod to this effort, Mr Murdoch noted that creativity was “the one economic resource that is truly inexhaustible”. Abu Dhabi is competing with Dubai, ...
Murdoch bets on Arab creativity as media forum opensZawya
Rupert Murdoch To Arab World: Creativity Is 'Infinitely More Precious ...The Business Insider
Unleash your creativity, Murdoch tells Arab worldNational
Khaleej Times -Telegraph.co.uk -paidContent.org
all 447 news articles »

Sunrise Florida's Top Advertising Agency Wins Silver ADDY Award - PR.com (press release)


PR Web (press release)

Sunrise Florida's Top Advertising Agency Wins Silver ADDY Award
PR.com (press release)
Ad Fed also hosts the annual American Advertising Awards which gives the advertising industry the opportunity to showcase creativity and compete locally, ...
PureMatter Honored by American Advertising Federation Silicon Valley With Nine ...PR Newswire (press release)

all 36 news articles »

Farmington Google project offers $500 prize for creative nominations - Farmington Daily Times


Farmington Google project offers $500 prize for creative nominations
Farmington Daily Times
Two $500 prizes will be awarded to high school and college students who post on the Web the most creative videos nominating Farmington for the project, ...

and more »

Harness Right-Brain Creativity With New Book "Prescriptions for Living a ... - MarketWatch (press release)


Harness Right-Brain Creativity With New Book "Prescriptions for Living a ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Released today on Amazon.com, Tepper's "Prescriptions For Living A Creative Life: Simple Remedies for Common Maladies in Our 24/7 World" helps readers ...

and more »

Jumbuck Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us

© www.Jumbuck.biz 2010

home | site map | links

 

eXTReMe Tracker