Helpful Tips from the Storytelling Center

The Storytelling Center, Inc. of New York City

Story Tips You Can Use

Here are some bits and pieces of advice gleamed from the combined experiences of some of your fellow storytellers. Remember…

There are many ways to learn a story. Some storytellers prefer visual methods, others auditory. Some people like outlines; others need storyboards. Some storytellers use both. Find the one that works best for you.

We all have our own styles and our own voices.

Tell the stories that you love. Trying to tell a story you have no affection for will be frustrating for you — and disappointing to the audience.

You can start your storytelling career with just one story, and build your repertoire one story at a time.

Don't be afraid to tell a story over and over agaiun. It will take at least twenty tellings before it really feels like it belongs to you.

As with getting to Carnegie Hall, so with storytelling: Practice, practice, practice.

…and then practice out loud. Pay attention to the rhythm and modulation of your voice, changing them as the story requires.

An anecdote may not be a complete story, but it can sure provide a good basis for one.

Choose a story with a strong narrative.

Even the most experienced storyteller sometimes needs to be reminded: a story must have a beginning, middle, and end.

Make sure your story has a strong, definitive ending.

It's generally not a good idea to laugh at your own jokes.

When telling a personal story, be careful not to adopt a smug or self–congratulatory tone.

Make eye contact with all sections of your audience.

Project your voice so that the people in the back can hear you.

You can tell a story more slowly and loudly than you think.

Use gestures that feel natural and support your story.

Don't keep your hands in your pockets. Don't maintain one rigid posture.

Don't wave your hands in the air just because you don't know what to do with them.

Be sure your story is an appopriate one for your audience.

Loosen your facial muscles and your voice with a nice, big {yawn} before a performance.

If you realize that you've forgotten a part of the story, weave it in later. Never say, "I forgot to tell you…" You can say "Did I tell you…?" — or just don't worry about it and proceed.

Don't use accents unless you're really good at them.

Do learn how to pronounce foreign or unfamiliar words properly unless the story requires otherwise.

Read as much as you can.

Listen as much as you can to other storytellers. You can learn a lot about what (and what not) to do.

Visit this website (often). ;-)

Respect the culture of the story you are telling.

Everyone gets stage fright. Just breathe… and you'll be fine.

Look pleased when you finished, not relieved. You did a great job.

One more thing…

Rules are made to be broken.

Special thanks are sent to LuAnn Adams, Barbara Aliprantis, Rita Auerbach, Bill Gordh, Marilyn Iarusso, Ben Jacobs, Ruth Lesh, Eileen Palley, Regina Ress, Peninnah Schram, and Selma Wiener for their contributions to this list… and to Rivka Widerman for adding her own and putting them together.