Oral Storytelling

Oral storytelling is a skill you have to learn because sometimes, the best stories have to be heard. The most striking stories are the most vivid - told in an engaging manner. Long before our ancestors carved symbols on caves, people learned from one another through oral storytelling - the practice of passing on stories through word of mouth. Storytelling also involves gestures, mimicry, and changes in pace, tone, and mood of the narrative.

At the time when our ancestors didn't understand the reasons behind natural phenomenon, they were explained through myths and fables told orally. Even after the written word was created, oral storytelling remained important. Either because most people still couldn't read or because it was the faster and more convenient way of informing others about what was going on in different towns. More than just telling tall tales, it became a tool of information and entertainment for most people.

While progress in technology has made professional storytelling unnecessary, people still practice is everyday, most of the time, unconsciously. Grandparents still tell us of ways of life long gone, children will still tell in detail how their day in school went, sleepovers will always have urban legends, and friends will eagerly listen to the blow-by-blow account of your date the previous night.

It is a readily available activity that instantaneously allows people to share more than just a story, but also evoke emotions and images... depending on how good the storyteller is, of course.

The Audience

The most important thing to consider is your audience. While oral storytelling invokes images of sitting in front of a room full of children; your audience can be your parents, colleagues, or guests at your dinner party.

Know your audience. Consider the age, beliefs and other relevant characteristics of who you're talking to. Knowing your audience makes sure that your material and delivery are suitable and appreciated. You don't want your story to be inappropriate or offensive!

The Story

It could be anything! The fables and fairytales can be your road trip last month or even a joke. The most successful jokes are those that engage the audience - precisely what storytelling is about.

Style

The unique thing about oral storytelling is that it becomes about the storyteller because he has the freedom to decide what to say, omit, or emphasize. He tells a story based on his understanding of it and tells it aiming for a specific response (shock, laughter, etc).

If you have time to prepare, consider the following: what would make this story appealing to my audience? How can I make this story entertaining for them? You can research on the story and get background/ cultural information on the material to make YOU and the audience believe it more. Practice your presentation. Looking at yourself in the mirror or rehearsing with a friend can improve your confidence, use of storytelling skills and pacing of the story.

Bear in mind that effective oral storytelling is about delivering the story with SEA - Sincerity, Enthusiasm and Animation. Be absorbed in the story but not the point where you are unnecessarily exaggerating which sometimes distracts from it. Use your gestures, vocal changes, facial expressions and pacing accordingly.

Tips:

1. Don't be monotonous. It displays disinterest that will guarantee your audience will be too. Make sure there are distinct changes in your pace, tone, expression, etc according to the needs of the story and the audience.
2. Keep it short. Make sure you don't drag on an unnecessary part. Do not allow yourself to get sidetracked by your own story. The best way to do this is to focus on your storyline: beginning (introduces the characters and the conflict), middle (the body leading up to the climax), and end (the resolution).
3. Talk to the Audience. Make the audience participate. Cite similarities between them and your story. Refer to something familiar to in order to make the story resonates with them. It helps them visualize the scenes and/or empathize with the characters better.
4. .Relax. Be casual, especially when the occasion calls for it. The more relaxed you are the more you'll deliver confidently. Get the audience relaxed too. Crack a joke or two. The more relaxed they are the more receptive they'll be to your story.

To be good in oral storytelling it is important to practice and find your own style. Be creative and try out different techniques until you find what you're most comfortable with.

More storytelling tips

• Oral storytelling techniques.
• Scary stories to tell.
• Storytelling stories to capture the imagination.