From: jim.speirs@canrem.com (Jim Speirs) To: macman@bernina.ethz.ch Subject: The Art of the Storyteller Article #R55. ===== The Art of the Storyteller Aline G. Chan The Leader, December 1987. Storytelling is as old as speech. Once upon a time, everyone was a storyteller. To fight boredom and keep themselves company, these early storytellers chanted as they worked, telling the story of what they were doing. Then "I" stories became narratives involving other people and the elements, and storytellers told tales of heros, myths, and legends. The art of storytelling evolved naturally because some people preferred telling tales and other preferred listening to them. As society developed, people wanted to keep a historical account of events. The storyteller occupied an honoured position and his role was very important. Tribes competed to see who could tell the best stories, which led to exaggerated imaginary tales of elaborate heroic feats. Gradually, some stories featured animals to satirize tribal events. By using animals, storytellers could make fun of kings and chieftans without fear of retribution. The Egyptians were the first to write down their stories. The Romans were good at spreading stories, as were the gypsies whose nomadic life enabled them to carry tales far and wide. Royalty hired storytellers or troubadours who told tales of court scandals or heroic accomplishments, accompanying themselves on musical instruments. The troubadour gradually surrounded himself with a retinue of tumblers, pages and buffoons who helped him tell the story in an entertaining way. Troubadours were succeeded by minstrals and mummers who travelled from town to town making their livelihood by entertaining people with their storytelling performances. Today, the art of storytelling continues as we tell stories to children to communicate with them, entertain them, and pass on information. Anyone can read a story but, when a story is told, children feel a bond between the teller and themselves. In a society where parents lead busy lives and children are entertained by the impersonal communication media of films and television, storytelling can be an invaluable part of your program. An experience shared between teller and listener, it helps children develop the skills of listening and encourages them to visualize the story in their imaginations - to relax and fantasize safely. What kinds of stories to Beaver-aged boys like ? They don't care for instructional stories that sermonize. They do enjoy stories such as 'Chicken Little' or 'The Little Red Hen' in which animals or objects have feelings, even when they are "lesson" stories. Children believe in magic. A kiss can transform the ugly frog into a handsome prince. They also recognize justice and injustice, crime and punishment. For young boys, it is important for stories to convey magic and fantasy. Like 'The Wizard of Oz' or 'Aladdin and his Magic Lamp', they can be as far-fetched as the imagination will take them, but they also need to have a sense of real life and fair play. Tips for the Storyteller There are certain steps that storytellers follow. They select a story appropriate to the occasion, interests, and age of the audience, commit it to memory, prepare the audience by sitting them in a circle, and begin the tale. Professional storytellers generally memorize seven stories a year and have a repertoire of about 20 stories handy at all times. If you are an inexperienced storyteller, look for short stories with repetitive phrases. Choose tales that you like because Beavers can sense when you aren't keen on what you're telling. You want stories that build up suspence to a good climax, preferably tales where characters speak for themselves rather than straight narratives. Length is important - never more than 20 minutes for Beaver-aged boys. Leave them wanting more. Generally, children's magazines are not a good source of stories because the material is meant to be read by the child, not out loud. When you've chosen the story, you need to memorize it. It will take a few hours spread over time. First, read it silently and try to see the story in your mind's eye by visualizing it as a series of pictures. Then learn it by reading it aloud repeatedly, enjoying the words and the sound of the phrases. Think about words that may be new or unfamiliar to your audience and incorporate their meanings into the story so that you won't need to interrupt it during the telling to explain. Time yourself when you read the story aloud. After you have memorized it, time yourself again. If you use less time, you are either telling it too fast or skipping parts. If it takes much longer, you are telling the story too slowly. Tell your story to anyone who will listen. Before going to bed, read it aloud again. If you can, tape or videotape yourself telling the story. Once you've memorized the story, you are ready to tell it. These points will help you do it more effectively. Smile and make eye contact with your listeners. Vary the pitch of your voice and use facial expressions and hand gestures. Until you are confident and more experienced, it's probably not wise to use different voices because you may get confused and use the wrong voice for the wrong character. If the boys are sitting in chairs, stand while you tell the story so that you can incorporate body language. If they are sitting on the floor, sit down with them so that you are at their level. Even storytellers can get stage fright at times. Don't panic if it happens to you. Pause and think. Cue cards are a good idea when you are new at the game. Keep it slow, simple and sincere and you will soon overcome your nervousness. A story well told will be well received. We tell stories to Beavers so that they can experience other people's lives, happiness and misfortunes and learn kindness and courage. Stories lead children to develop a concern for others so that they want to help their "family and friends" and "help take care of the world". The storyteller encourages them to stretch their imaginations and have fun escaping to another world. As Beaver leaders and storytellers, we have a splendid opportunity to share ourselves. ================================ Wood Badge Handout compiled by one of the Trainers. Story Telling A story should, to please, at least seem true, Be apropos, well told, concise, and new; And whensoe'er it deviates from these rules, The wise will sleep, and leave applause to fools. -Stillingfleet Story telling is one of the most important educational tools we have on play- grounds. It is the oldest art in the world. It is a picture painted in the mind by the human voice. It should stir the emotions, bring pleasure and a desire to be like the hero or heroine in the story. There are four main parts to every story: a) The Introduction, telling Who, When and Where. b) The body of the story - the series of happenings that form the plot. c) The climax - the act or choice made by the hero or heroine (Purpose of moral of the story), d) The conclusion - brings the story to a quick and easy end How to tell a story 1.) Preparation Choose a story with -vivid action -pleasing word sounds - pleasing word action - appeal to the imagination - rhythm - repetition - suspense Choose a story - that you like - suitable to the group - appropriate to the situation - with a purpose 2.) Rehearse - read the story two or three times out loud - think about the author's meaning (interpret his style) - put personality into the speaking parts - decide whether the story should be read or told - tell the story without the book - memorize the sequence of events, as a guide - practise your facial expression, actions and gestures - try out various ways of reciting the opening sentence 3.) "Set the Stage" - find a suitable place ("story tree" or "corner") - have a name for yourself (Story Book Lady, Mr. Makebelieve, etc.) - use properties (special hat or costume, mascot, etc.) All children look forward to the storytelling period. Proper preparation keeps their interest alive. The most important point is to get into the spirit of the story - unless you do, don't tell it. In choosing stories it is a good idea to select a theme for the hour, week, etc. (Honesty, courtesy, loyalty, safety). Be sure to read the story out loud first because some are better read than told. Don't be afraid to use high and low tones to impersonate characters. Be sure of your sequence of events; then practise out loud, in front of a mirror if possible, until you are used to the sound of your own voice and gestures. These gestures should be very simple - if used at all. Be sure your facial expression interprets the mood of the story. Your eyes are most important - use them. Atmosphere can make or break a storytelling period. Be sure it is quiet, secluded, and that there will be no interruptions once the story begins. Try some of the tricks used by experienced storytellers - a "story hat", which goes on when the story begins and comes off when it ends, or a mascot such as a teddy bear, doll or hand puppet to tell the story to or take the part of a character. This is a simple device for taking your mind off the listening audience if you are a little shy. And the opening sentence! Don't always say "Once upon a time..." Why not try: "Once, in the long, long ago and very far away..." "On the very highest mountain in the whole world lived an old man..." "Those were the days when mighty beasts roamed the jungle..." Telling the Story 1.) Atmosphere - have a definite place - have sufficient time - have listeners seated comfortably in front of you (semi-circle) - don't allow questions or interruptions during the story - look directly at the children as you tell the story 2.) Voice - speak simply, quietly and directly - use sufficient volume to be heard easily - be careful with enunciation - use low, pleasing tone quality 3.) Expression - know what you want to say - express what you feel - think what you mean - be natural 4.) Timing - pause - change the speed - change the pitch - vary the emphasis - build up to the climax 5.) Ending the Story - do not detract from the climax - make sure not to suggest another story. - do not point up a moral - end the story quickly - then STOP! Some Further Helpful Hints - keep your group small - not more than thirty. - sit or stand close to the group. - three different types of stories are enough in one period. - all good stories will stand repeating - use 'chatty' language but don't over-simplify. - vary the time of your story hour - avoid long descriptions of people and places - serial or instalment stories don't hold interest. - don't change the story - discard it! - use poetry occasionally. - use different types of stories: Myths stories of heroes current events Legends humour history nature stories real-life stories circus tales animal stories romances patriotic stories mysteries adventure special holidays folk tales sports tales Remember: short stories for little people; longer stories for bigger ones. If it's funny, laugh with them!