Some practical tips for storytelling

JAKARTA (JP): You may realize the good of storytelling to your children, but you may feel a bit confused about how to begin. One way is to take the advice of people who make storytelling their living and adapt their tips to your home. Who knows? You may even be able to tell stories to a public audience, like they do.

Here are step-by-step storytelling tips from Barry McWilliams, a practical storyteller based in Everett, Washington and Dr. Flora Joy, professor emeritus of reading and storytelling at the department of curriculum and instruction, East Tennessee State University.

Storytelling is the art of using language, vocalization and/or physical movement and gesture to reveal the elements and images of a story to a specific, live audience, according to the U.S. National Storytelling Association.

Storytelling involves direct interaction between the teller and audience. The audience does not only hear a story but develops the images by themselves based on the performer's telling combined with their own experiences and beliefs, since the tellers do not provide visual images or a stage set.

At the beginning, you have to find a story that most attracts you. McWilliams recommends starting with simple folktales or elements, which you can take from the library or the Internet (try the storytelling ring website at www.tiac.net).

"Look for stories that 'touch' you. Start with simple stories, then as your experience grows, be sure to explore and branch out," he stated on his homepage www.seanet.com/~eldrbarry

Joy emphasized the importance of making the story as if it was coming from you. "Read the story over many times until the story's 'voice' becomes very familiar, then practice with the first part of the story until it feels right coming from your voice.

"Your body language will reflect how much you like (or dislike) the story," she is quoted saying at www.storynet.org.

McWilliams has defined the characteristics of a good story: * A single theme, clearly defined * A well developed plot * Style: Vivid word pictures, pleasing sounds and rhythm * Characterization * Faithful to source * Dramatic appeal * Appropriateness to listeners (i.e. your children).

He advises one to learn the story as a whole rather than in fragments, but he warned against memorizing it. These are some simple steps: * Map out the story line: The beginning, which sets the stage and introduces the characters and conflict; the body, in which the conflict builds up to a climax and the resolution of the conflict. Observe how the action starts, how it accelerates, repeats itself and how and where the transitions occur. If simplifying or adapting a story, do not alter the essential story line. * Absorb the style of the story: To retain the original flavor and vigor, learn the characteristic phrases that recur throughout the story. Observe the sentence structure, phrases, unusual words and expressions.

"Practice the story often -- to the mirror, your cat, driving in the car, with friends, or anyone who will listen...Use your imagination to make the story come alive as you prepare," he added.

As Joy put it: "...'tell the story to the wall' several dozen times before you have a 'real audience'."

Next, don't forget the beginning and the ending.

Opening a story was simply a ritual signaling to the audience that the teller was suspending "time and space" and transporting the audience to a world of imagination and play, McWilliams said.

"Storytelling traditionally begins with a 'Once upon a time...' opening and then a storyteller's silent pause to gather his thoughts ... Similar 'rituals' also signal the end of the story and their return to reality. Many adults today have forgotten these 'rules of the game'."

Storytelling should be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere free of distractions, especially with kids.

"Be especially prepared to deal with disruptions with groups of children. There are always one or two children that want attention. Sometimes you can just ignore it; sometimes it may take a stare, or a pause till the disruptive behavior ends, sometimes maybe involving a child in your story -- whatever you do, do not speak harshly or in anger, or you will lose the audience."

McWilliams also said you must avoid wandering anywhere or discussing the story after finishing it.

"Once you finish the story -- stop! Don't ramble on. Leave their thoughts lingering over it. Don't feel you have to explain everything, or tie together all the loose ends. Let them go away thinking about what has been said and allow them to draw their own meaning from it!"

And the last words from McWilliams and Joy: practice, practice, practice and tell, tell, tell some more stories.(ivy)