| In some communities across the world there are | | | | experience. |
| people who are designated as official storytellers | | | | Be careful when choosing stories from another |
| for the community. Mostly however, anyone can | | | | culture, particularly if they require a particular |
| tell stories, all that's necessary is the teller, the | | | | accent, or method of delivery. Unless you are |
| audience and a good story. When telling stories | | | | very good at impressions, such stories are likely |
| though, each teller should be aware that they | | | | to be very flat and your audience will be |
| need to tailor their approach to their audience. | | | | disappointed. |
| Good storytellers don't imitate someone else's | | | | Many inexperienced storytellers have chosen |
| style when they're telling stories, they develop a | | | | well-known tales as a source of inspiration, and |
| style and a delivery of their own. They will also | | | | found that some don't work when told aloud. |
| develop a repertoire of stories for varied | | | | Telling stories aloud is very different to reading |
| occasions and will select appropriate stories for | | | | them in a book - consider traditional tales like |
| different audiences. | | | | "Three Little Pigs" or "Cinderella" - these can be |
| If you have been asked to entertain a group of | | | | told by anyone, but stories such as A A Milne's |
| children - or indeed any group with a story, then it | | | | "Winnie the Pooh" tales are very difficult to share |
| is worthwhile undertaking some preparation. When | | | | with a large audience. These are stories for a |
| telling stories you need to be aware of your | | | | small intimate group of up to, say four maximum, |
| audience's needs and expectations. You should | | | | but not with a larger group. When telling stories, |
| only use stories you are comfortable with and | | | | why not consider exerpts from "The Hobbit" by J |
| know that you can tell with full understanding, | | | | R R Tolkien? This book is meant to be read aloud |
| emotion and belief. | | | | and is generally successful when told to larger |
| Telling stories is an art form and you will probably | | | | groups. |
| find that a particular form or genre of story suits | | | | So, selecting stories for telling is a personal |
| your style best, in the same way that painters | | | | matter. The art of telling stories varies so much |
| use particular techniques or musicians prefer a | | | | between individuals and audiences and occasions |
| style of music such as jazz, classical or rock. You | | | | that it's impossible to judge for another which |
| may choose to tell traditional fairytales, stories | | | | stories will work on a particular day in front of a |
| from a particular culture or country, amusing tales, | | | | particular audience. |
| ghost stories or adventure yarns. Whatever form | | | | I have recently put together a new downloadable |
| of story you choose, it must be right for both | | | | book called "How to Tell Stories to Children" |
| you, the storyteller and your audience. | | | | together with five books full of great stories to |
| Watch for danger points when telling stories .... | | | | tell. It gives you simple guidelines to help make |
| Be aware of your own limitations and don't even | | | | your storytelling sessions a great success and |
| try to tell stories well outside your own | | | | leave your audience clamouring for more! |