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Author
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Comment
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Erica Carlson
Registered User
(1/27/05 5:42 pm)
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Storytelling advice?
For any storytellers out there (or public speakers)...
I'm taking a storytelling class as part of my library science program, and am supposed to tell a story in class on Monday. I have my story and I'm working, working, working on the prep., but I'm still (gulp) rather anxious. I'm better at writing than at speaking as a general rule, and while I've presented papers before with relatively little trouble, this has me in, well, in a tizzy for lack of a better word.
This is the first week any of us are telling, and I know I'm supposed to learn from all of the mistakes I'm going to make, but does anyone have any storytelling tips? Calming or focusing techniques?
Best,
Erica
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Crceres
Registered User
(1/27/05 6:49 pm)
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Re: Storytelling advice?
...well, you're already way ahead. I generally learned the story the day of the meet when I was in forensics, which is good practice for improvisation. Not the best way to prepare, though. These are things that might help:
Breathe. I'm serious. If you have a long sentence, don't be afraid to pause for breath. Don't be afraid to pause. It gives the audience a chance to think about what you are saying, and gives you a chance to collect your thoughts.
Eye contact. Storytelling is about connecting with the audience, after all.
See the story. This has been hammered into my head by my mom, an expert story teller. If you can't see what you are describing, your audience won't either. See what the characters see--is the floor of Bluebeard's closet awash with blood? Does the troll have a long bulbous nose with hairy warts and crossed eyes? Oh, what great teeth you have, grandmother!
Finally, practice! Try telling the story to family, friends, in front of a video camera...you'll figure out what gestures work best, how to pitch your voice, and which parts of the story you have trouble with.
Good luck with the telling!
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Veronica Schanoes
Registered User
(1/27/05 6:57 pm)
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Re: Storytelling advice?
And slow down. Don't speak too quickly--don't worry about going too slowly. Don't worry about pauses either. When you're the one speaking/performing a pause of ten seconds can feel like an hour, but it's not.
It really is important to make sure you're taking deep breaths. The whole first semester I was teaching I would get killer headaches after class. I'd have to spend the rest of the day lying down in a dark room. A friend of mine who had been in theater asked me if I was breathing. "Of course," I told her. "Otherwise I'd be dead." But she meant breathing deeply, and as soon as she told me that, the headaches stopped.
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redtriskell
Registered User
(1/28/05 4:12 am)
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Re: Storytelling advice?
Erica- I, too, am a better writer than speaker. I have no experience with formal storytelling, but, as a listener, I would suggest that you like the story. I can always tell a storyteller's least favorite tale because their participation seems to...wane. Even if it isn't your favorite tale, find one thing to love about it. If you're excited about what you're doing, your audience will be, too. Good luck.
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Black Sheep
Registered User
(1/28/05 1:25 pm)
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Re: Storytelling advice?
"I'm taking a storytelling class as part of my library science program," and here was me thinking that librarians only said "SSsshhh!!". Seriously though, my local libraries host storytellings, and story/rhyme/song sessions for children or parents and toddlers, and the librarians seem to enjoy them (most of the time!). Children are the one of the toughest audiences but they're also one of the most rewarding.
Erica, if you're used to doing voice/breathing/relaxation exercises then do them but if you're new to them then be careful not to hyperventilate (I've seen it happen!).
Apart from that I can only reiterate what the others have said:
try to relax (remember you're not sitting a compulsory examination, you're willingly giving your audience a gift from your heart and mind and mouth...),
go slowly,
speak from your belly/pelvic floor/whatever,
visualise the story as you tell it (eye contact or not is dependant on your personal comfort, the number of audience members, your relative positions, and the physical circumstances of the telling),
don't try to be physically theatrical unless it comes naturally to you,
and enjoy yourself.
The storyteller is not a separate being but is a participant in the event and part of the collective presence.
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Heidi Anne Heiner
ezOP
(1/28/05 2:09 pm)
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Re: Storytelling advice?
My storytelling class was in the drama department and I was one of the few nondrama majors in the class. Yes, I understand panic! Most of the class were natural storytellers, just fine tuning their craft. Still, my advice is to worry as little as possible. This first perfomance will be your hardest. The classroom is a safe setting, but I didn't get good at storytelling until my first job. I am much more natural working with kids since they willingly respond and interact with the story--the story always comes out slightly different with each audience, too. Practice, practice, practice, but don't make yourself into an automaton. Storytelling performances improve my writing and creativity all around; I miss my weekly storytimes now.
Also, don't panic if you forget something or leave it out. Make a joke about it. Laugh with yourself. "Well, I have to rewind because I forgot to tell you about this very important plot element, silly me...." Your job is to be comfortable so that the audience is comfortable, too. (And that's the best advice, period.) If that means sitting on a stool, standing, whatever, do it, but I mean much more that your physical situation. Storytelling, live theatre, etc. is exciting thanks to the possible mistakes and resulting improv. Relish the freedom.
Another consideration: Until you get more comfortable, fake looking at your audience. Yes, I know this is not what is said and not even preferrable, but if you are really scared it might be the only thing that works at first. Don't focus on faces, look at foreheads, or use some similar device since an expression, even a friendly nod, can blow your concentration when you know your peers are watching to review you. You start thinking, "They hated that, oops, forgot my place!" or "Oh, that was good, now where was I?" As you get more comfortable with your stories and being in front of an audience, you'll respond better to their reactions, eagerly watch them, and enter a give and take relationship that works much better. That usually comes with experience, of course.
Heidi
Edited by: Heidi Anne Heiner at: 1/28/05 5:20 pm
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Jess
Unregistered User
(1/28/05 4:35 pm)
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Outline your story in your head
Erica,
There are three things that always help me when I am public speaking, regardless of the setting. First, know your subject matter backwards and forwards. Second, have an outline of where you want it to go in your head. When I used to have to do closing arguments, I always tried to "tell the story" in a way that brought the audience along right where I wanted them to be. Actually sitting down and outlining the story so that it is a natural progression will help, and it will help you not to forget some key element. Remember too, you know the story a lot better than the audience, so they are just waiting to hear what you have to say. Try to connect with the audience through eye contact with each person at least once, and modify your tone or method if you feel you are losing people (you will be able to tell). Third, have fun! The audience can always tell if you are confident in your story or if you are unsure. In this setting, relax, have fun, and remember THEY WANT TO KNOW HOW THE STORY PROGRESSES AND ENDS.
Breathing does help. :)
Jess
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Erica Carlson
Registered User
(1/29/05 12:22 pm)
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Re: Outline your story in your head
Thanks for all the tips--very helpful, and also comforting. I'll let you know how it goes.
Best,
E.
Also, couldn't help myself:
Why you should fall to your knees and worship a librarian
Edited by: Erica Carlson at: 1/29/05 12:28 pm
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Erica Carlson
Registered User
(2/2/05 9:51 am)
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Re: Outline your story in your head
Thank you all so much! The telling went much better than I'd expected/feared, especially after I started focusing on the story rather than on the fact that my knees were shaking even though I was sitting down. And, with the exception of the instructor, no one in the class had heard "The Three Spinning Women" before, which made telling it quite fun. Anyway, I very much appreciate the advice and support.
Best,
Erica
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