however you do it, you must absorb the story until it becomes second nature: find the best way for you
instead picture the story
it's best to practise you story with a "mirror".
first practice to get the storyline.
once the story is straight in your mind, focus on how you tell it.
use repetition. Repetition helps your listeners stick with the story by providing familiar landmarks.
alongside repetition, use variety. Use silences.
use gesture, but only ones that help the story. Gestures keep the eyes on you.
ending should be clear, so your listeners know that your story's over without your telling them. You can do this by slowing down and adding emphasis
try to make each of characters different enough so they're easily told apart.
your voice and body are your instrument, and it helps to use them well.
to project and sustain your voice you must breathe deeply and correctly to check this, place your hand on your stomach.
also try the "lion's yawn" open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as it goes.
pronounce each sound of each word distinctly. Tongue twisters are good for making the tongue more nimble
each time you tell the story, you and your story will improve.
storytellers have their own styles, differing widely.
a good storytelling space is comfortable, intimate, and free of distractions.
talk to them - not at them - and don't be afraid to talk with them.
look them in the eyes; if there are too many of them, or you can't see them all, look mostly at the ones in front. If some aren't paying attention, focus on those who are.
as you tell the story, take your time, and give time to your listeners.
time to "see" the story, time to lough, time to feel, time to reflect, time to hang on the edge of their seats for what comes next. It's easy to go too fast, hard to go too slow. If you're losing their attention, you may need to slow down! After the story, be sure to leave time for the audience to appreciate you
storytelling is interactive
above all, trust yourself, your audience, and your story. Remember, anyone who comes to hear a storyteller is already on your side. Just being a storyteller is magic -even before you say a word.
join a local storytelling group. Many communities have groups that meet to try out stories or organize performances
above all, tell, tell, tell as often as you can. That's the best way to learn storytelling.
