We often donʼt think about it, but storytelling is an art form. Humans have been telling stories since the dawn of our existence; whether you believe that the world is 4.5 billion years old, or 7000 years old, humans have been telling stories in one form or another. In ancient times, storytellers were artists who entertained audiences as well as explained history. The Bible, Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Beowulf, Sir Gowan the Green Knight, and all other ancient tales were once told orally by storytellers. Later, bards wandered the land singing and telling stories. Many of Shakespeareʼs plays were famous stories that had been handed down among actors in Europe. Even today, talented public speakers all know how to use a story to explain a concept, share information, or prove a point. Storytelling is one of the foundational skills of public speaking.

We watched the way Sir Ken Robinson used storytelling in his TED Talk about how education kills creativity. How did he use the stories? The story about the little girl drawing a picture of God demonstrated what? The story about “Frank sent this,” communicated what to the audience? How about the story of the dancer when she was young? What about my story? Storytelling is a powerful tool.

Now it is your turn to tell a story. Follow the Master Storytellers advice -- choose a story that is meaningful to you. You can use a childrenʼs tale, a personal story, a story about someone else, but make sure it is a story that you enjoy. Remember to include details and you can even act out sections. You will have the rest of the class today and the next two classes to work on your story. After that be prepared to get up in front of class and share your story with us.

Follow the steps to success:1. Choose a story that you enjoy/love/find meaningful. Make sure it is 3-5 minutes in

length... You will be timed!2. Practice! Practice! Practice! You may use notecards, but make sure not to read them

during the whole story.3. Perform! Use the public speaking basics to enhance your story.

Good luck! Iʼm looking forward to hearing your stories.

Storytelling: The Lost Art!

Category 5 3 1

Enthusiasm Enthusiasm propels audience toward total involvement

Enjoys audience None exhibited, just scared

Introduction & Closure

Intro sets mood and invites audience in, closure ties up everything and leaves audience satisfied

Introduces self and story, walks off when finished not waiting for audience reaction

No clear intro or ending, walks off before audience knows is finished

Pacing Good use of pacing and pausing

Occasionally correct speed

Too slow, or too quick

Body Language Fluid movement and gestures used to enhance action without detracting from words

Uses some movement and gestures, some nervousness

Exhibits nervousness; gestures and movement are non-existent or inappropriate for task

Facial Expression

Uses to show emotions and moods and generates strong audience enthusiasm

Shows some expression

Very little or inappropriate expression

Voice and Delivery

Use of precise, fluid speech and inflection, maintains the interest of the audience. Heard by all audience easily all the time.

Some inflection, some difficulty being heard and understood. Heard by most of the audience most of the time.

Mostly monotone voice, mumbles. Heard by only people in front of room.

Eye Contact Holds attention of entire audience with direct contact

Looks at some of the audience

Mostly no eye contact with audience.

Poise & Posture Relaxed, self-confident, enjoying. Covers any mistakes so unknown to audience.

Tells even though nervous. Makes mistakes and stumbles due to them. Corrects self if not standing straight.

Doesn’t stand straight. Quits if makes a mistake.

Audience Polite, attentive, and responsive when appropriate. Sat with eyes on presenter and head up.

Usually polite, attentive, and responsive, but spoke or distracted 1 or 2 times. Sat with eyes on presenter and/or head up most of the time.

Impolite, inattentive, and unresponsive most of the time. Sat with eyes not on presenter or head down most of the time.