Project Skill
- Storytelling
Objective
- Participant will use storytelling techniques to enliven his or her speaking.
Success Indicator
- Participant tells a story using a variety of gestures, facial expressions, vocal mannerisms, and other storytelling techniques.
Message Makers
- Literature or other story material
Wise Words
- Everything has a story—from the dollar bill in your pocket to the oak tree in your neighbor's backyard. Finding the story is an important step in becoming a great communicator.
Power Language: Public Speaking
Activity 8: Storytelling
Set the Stage
There once was a woman with a great idea. She told it to many people, but no one was interested in her idea. In fact, many of them were mean and laughed at her. One day, someone listened. Her idea worked, and she turned out to be a great success in spite of the people who told her she was wasting her time. Do you want to know who she is? Of course you do. Good communicators—including public speakers—know this. And they use stories and storytellers' mannerisms to grab their audience.
Speak Out
Observe a storyteller. Bookstores and public libraries often schedule storytelling events. Besides words, what does the storyteller use to captivate the audience?
Practice telling a story. It could be a published story or something a friend told you. You could make one up if you like. Find an audience and tell your story.
Stretch the Message
Prepare and give a speech using the techniques you used to tell a story.
Open Mike
Share
- What happened as you practiced your story?
- What reactions did you get when you told your story?
Process
- How did you tailor your story to your audience?
- Why do you think people like stories so much?
- What do you think the saying “Communication is a two-way street” means?
Generalize
- Stories appeal to children and adults. How many examples can you spot of storytelling in day-to-day life?
Apply
- How could you use a story to persuade someone to do something?
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8/04-BS
4H M-10-48W
E01-38992