How can one become a better storyteller?

Question

What makes a good storyteller? As a teenager, how can I capture the attention of my friends and tell my story in the same way that I have it in my mind? How can I use linking words/thoughts without sounding like a nerd?

One of my biggest problems is dialog. When relating a conversation, I always say:

"And then she was like...And then I was like.. And then SHE said this and I was like..."

I can't seem to find an interesting way to relate dialog. Repeating 'like' 35 times is most definitely not the solution.

So, what can I do to improve my story telling abilities? I do enjoy telling stories - I like the attention and I like making people laugh. But I find if I mess up a story, it's not quite as funny. Since you can't quite retell a story twice to the same person, I'd like to learn to get it down pat the first time around.

Any help is appreciated. :)

Answer 1

Consider this: Instead of trying to tell the story, simply say it.. Dont try. Do it. Close your eyes for a moment and let your mind slip into the story... Watch as it unfolds in your mind... Wait for the colors to appear and when it is alive in your mind describe what you see. The more you are trying to say the story the more you will be unable to find ways to link the facts you are presenting... Speak with emotion not with logic... A story is something that happened, so to repeat it you have to live it again. If it is alive in your mind it will be alive through your words.
I've been a RolePlaying Games Storyteller for 15 years. I never thought I could tell a story, any story, properly. Yet now, when I tell a story to my friends, not only about the game - any story, even a joke, i find that I have a creativity i never thought i have. Because I have learned to live the story.
A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. But a thousand words can make a picture alive, says I... So long as you grasp the picture in your mind you can bring it to life through words. Just stop trying and act.

Answer 2

Work on eliminating the "likes". If you are really serious about becoming a better story teller, practice at home in front of a mirror. Tape yourself, and then listen to the tape and identify where you need to make changes. Take advantage of every opportunity to tell stories. Can you volunteer to read and tell stories to small kids? This is a good and non-threatening way to get practice. In terms of dialog you can describe it rather than repeat it all exactly, and use exact dialog only for important lines. Often less dialog is better in a story that is being told. But if you want to perfect your use of dialog read lots of little kid's books. The dialog is usually crisp and well written.

Best of luck with it.

Answer 3

You need to read more when we use what I call "fillers" in dialog (like, um, uh, etc.etc.) we are actually buying ourselves a split second to find the word we want. Its a habbit that's like quick sand you'll do it more and more until you completely correct it. Reading will train your mind on how to keep language and dialog free flowing and smooth. Also get into your story I find people enjoy my stories because I talk with my hands and literally "act" out the story I'm telling.

Answer 4

Also, try watching things like The View, Regis and Kelly or late night comedy shows. Pay close attention to how they tell their stories. Mimic the things you like about the stories they've told.
Sometimes, when telling a story, I get so "excited" to tell it, I speak way to quickly and mess the whole point up. Take your time and think about your next sentence.
Just try to be aware of what you are saying and how you are saying it.
And about saying "like" so much, try setting up a jar kinda like a "curse jar". Put money (a dollar or quarter) into the jar everytime you say "like". You'll stop soon.
Good luck!

Answer 5

By actually believing that the story you are telling is the best story in the world, by making eye contact... without using "like"... use your hands a lot and set the mood with facial expressions :o)

Answer 6

My husband is a great storyteller...also singer songwriter...he tells a story as he sees it in his mind...by doing that you come out with the "imagery"...you won't have to explain who said what. Leave the "dialogue" progression out...just say what you see and hear in your mind...hope that helps!...besides...get the "nerd" thought out of your mind and just be you...you don't have to tell stories for people to be interested in you. Be yourself...tell stories only when you feel as if fits the occasion...don't try to "explain" your story...just tell it without worrying about dialogue.

Answer 7

if l'm a part of the story l can be a good storyteller but most of the time l'm not.