PrintGUIDING PRINCIPLES: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR STORYTELLING

Adapted from the booklet by Annette Knowler

INTRODUCTION

Recommended for groups. It can also be used for individual storytellers to evaluate their own performance and consider how to improve.

The main purpose of this page and the checklists is to assist the storyteller improve with each performance and to assist others by using the checklists to objectively evaluate performances.

A Guild is an association of crafts people. Modern guilds exist in different forms around the world and have had a revival as organisations for developing levels of competence. The objective of the Guild is always to promote the art of storytelling and the skills of the members.

 

CODE OF PRACTICE

 

Oral storytelling is an art form. We observe the following guidelines.

• That we are prepared, punctual and well presented.

• That we ensure that the conditions in which we are asked to tell are supportive of a positive experience for both our audience and ourselves.

• That we accept a payment that is the true value of both the art form and our time.

• That the source of our stories is acknowledged and that we have sought permission to tell stories where appropriate.

• That we accept it may not be appropriate to tell tales from cultures other than our own nor other people’s personal stories.

• That we are committed to our development as a storyteller, and that we endeavour to build the uniqueness we bring to our telling.

• Storytelling is a communicative art. Our responsibility lies with both our audience and the story.

• That we remember, every time, that we are ambassadors of story. Both an educator and an entertainer. Our telling will impact upon the experiences and opportunities of other tellers and the public conception of storytelling as an art form.

• That we always do the best of which we are capable. In this way the integrity of storytelling will be preserved and appreciated by all.

 

The Story and the Teller merge to provide information, entertainment, change.

 

A GOOD STORY IS CRAFTED TO SUIT THE TELLER

It should contain elements that allow the teller to use:

 

Mime

• Body language

• Characterisation that can be shown by means other than words

 

Music

• With voice, words and rhythm

 

Message

• Why the story is being told. – The message might be to provoke laughter, emotion, and teaching

 

Meaning

• Allow interpretation on a literal and symbolic level

 

Memorability

• A message/meaning that goes deeply into the memory

 

Minimisation

• A told story has NO room for excessive descriptive passages or for too many characters

 

Margins

• A beginning and an ending

• An acceptable time limit

 

Mandate

• Told to an audience that is receptive.

 

Magnet

• Something to draw an audience. Perhaps a beguiling beginning

 

Motion

• The action of the plot is the way to ‘hold and interest’ the audience. The plot should be short and succinct.

 

Method

• Shape of plot— a ‘circle’ story, or a path with several high points. Authentic in time, space and place. (Including language and vocabulary)

• A suitable point of view for the teller to use.

• Evocative language to stimulate imagination

 

EVALUATING THE STORY

This section could be used for self-evaluation or you could ask your peers to evaluate your performance using these tables.

 

Does the story allow for MIME?

The teller can use body language

The teller can use characterisation using means other than words

 

Do the words of the STORY

Make music, by the sentence structure,

and allow pause and pace appropriately

 

Does the STORY have a message/a meaning?

Yes

 

Does the STORY use a metaphor?

To teach

To diffuse an awkward situation,

To create a win-win situation

To elicit emotion

 

Is the STORY memorable?

Yes

 

Is the STORY succinct?

Yes

 

Does the STORY have margins—a definite beginning and ending?

Yes

 

Does the STORY create an immediate impact?

Yes

 

Does the STORY have an ‘action’ plot?

Yes

 

Is the STORY suitable for the teller and the plot?

The genre of the story

Evocative language

Point of view

 

The Story and the Teller merge to provide information, entertainment, change.

 

THE ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD STORYTELLER INCLUDE:

 

CRAFTING THE STORY

• Until it resonates with them

• Showing awareness of time limit/ audience reaction.

 

PRESENTING THE STORY with confidence

• Fluency – weaves in mistakes

• Sensitive language

• Vocal variety

• Familiarity with microphone and sound systems.

• Character portrayal, using body language, possibly props, possibly costume, voice, vocals.

 

ANIMATING THE STORY with appropriate props

• Costume (possibly)

• Body language

• Vivacity/energy

• Stimulate imagination.

• Makes good use of pause, pitch, pace for emphasis

 

MANAGING THE AUDIENCE by a welcoming attitude

• Gaining and maintaining rapport

• Setting the ambience/atmosphere

• Heating

• Lighting

• Seating

• Comfort

• Minimising external interruptions

• Showing an awareness of 3 ways of listening – some folk make eye contact, some close eyes, some look elsewhere,

• Reacting and changing as necessary

• Remembering that hearing difficulties are not the prerogative of age.

 

SHOWING PROFESSIONALISM by respecting the age, gender, cultural needs of the audience

• Punctuality

• Using culturally sensitive language

• Being aware of the power of words

• Providing a satisfactory conclusion to presentation

• Growing in expertise. Evaluation of story/presentation

• Inviting comment and questions where appropriate

• Respecting other presenters by not exceeding time limit and also by the way we promote them

• Business-like and reliable in fulfilling appointments etc.

 

A CHECKLIST TO EVALUATE A TELLER

 

DOES THE TELLER ANIMATE THE STORY?

Using Costume (possibly) and /or appropriate props

With Body language

With vivacity/energy

By stimulating imagination

By using vocal variety

 

HOW DOES THE TELLER PRESENT THE STORY?

With confidence

With fluency—weaving in mistakes

Using appropriate language

Showing familiarity with a microphone

Portraying character with body language, props, possibly costume voice vocals

 

DOES THE TELLER MANAGE THE AUDIENCE BY

Welcoming

Gaining and maintaining rapport

Setting the ambience, and creating an atmosphere to enhance the story

Showing respect for different audience needs for involvement

Empowering by presenting a short introduction to the story to keep it in context

Showing an awareness of audience reaction and change if necessary

 

DOES THE TELLER SHOW PROFESSIONALISM

Punctuality

Uses culturally sensitive language

Aware of the power of words

Provide a satisfactory conclusion to presentation

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