What tips are there for being a good verbal storyteller, not only fiction but personal accounts &memories too?

Question

I've always thought it to be such a unique and special talent to tell a good story verbally, and I think people really enjoy hearing them. Not necessarily long ones but just any story. I would like to know how to be a good storyteller to both children and adults, how to be captivating. I understand detail and adjectives and tone of voice, etc... helps, but in addition to those things or in using those things what helps? And, how to do this without coming off as corny? Thank you.

Answer 1

Show, don't tell. Example
Telling: He was fat
Showing: His blubbery stomach drooped over his straining belt.

Answer 2

Let your enthusiasm for the story come through. Use voices for characters. Don't be afraid to show exaggerated facial expression, to use hand movements and to actually get up and move about when called for. Vary your tone, your pace and your volume to fit the scene of the story. Make eye contact with your listeners (if possible). You will be able to tell when you have them captivated at certain points. Play on those times. Suspense and surprise elements really help. You cannot be an effective verbal storyteller and be worried about coming off corny. This is actually a performance art. It will not be seen as corny and will be appreciated by those who love this art form. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

You are not the only one interested in this subject. I am too as are thousands of others in the US. There are storytelling clubs, chat room, websites, etc. In fact, all over the country, there are a dizzying variety of storytelling festivals. They usually include competitions, entertainment, workshops, and many are themed such as Native American folk tales, Appalachian tales, old West, etc.

If you are skilled at searching the 'net, you will find a storehouse of information. If not, a local librarian will be happy to get you started with a book of resources. Good luck!

Answer 4

Details...and continuous storytelling. No long pauses or spaces in your story. Animation as in facial expressions and hand gestures. Knowing a little something about the subject other than just reading about it. Learn the subject as much as you can, and practice on someone before trying an audience. Good Luck......

Merry Christmas !!!

Answer 5

You have to be animated. My husband sits across the room from me while I read to my kids just to watch the faces I make and the voices I do. (I mostly have to pretend he's not there) My 2 favorite books to do with the kids are "I Love You Stinky Face" b/c you get to practice a lot of funny voices like a mom with a skunk for a son, and a dinosaur, and a swamp monster, and an alien.
Another one is "How I Became A Pirate" b/c you get to talk and sing like a pirate.
When I read books about fairies, and princesses, and ballerinas, I get up and twirl around on my tiptoes. The kids stay engrossed and laugh and remember. And my husband, well let's just say he finds it amusing but you can't be embarrassed!!!! That's the key!!

Answer 6

To be a good raconteur you need most (or at least some) of the following,

1. Most importantly a good stock of stories
2. The ability to engage your audience
3. A good and versatile vocabulary
4. A quick and self-deprecating wit
5. The ability to use words and phrases familiar to your audience
6. To be able to communicate at different levels
7. A good memory
8. Capability of using expressive gestures to hold your audience

Answer 7

It helps to know the story by heart, inside and out, backwards and forewords. It shouldn't merely be memorized; you should be able to add details to it and make adjustments to your telling based on the reactions you get from yor audience. Use your facial expressions, and your hands – but your expressions and hand movements need to look completely natural. If something feels odd to you, than don't do it.