Beginning of story

Beginning a story:
Storytelling is best done in a relaxed atmosphere free of distractions. The audience ought to be comfortable and close. Candle light and campfires are ideal situations for telling stories, but often impractical. The teller needs to give careful attention to the setting before hand - and be prepared to rearrange a room to bring his hearers closer, or use a backdrop or hangings to create atmosphere - especially in classroom settings. Props, costumes, or some getting acquainted patter may also help in getting and keeping attention and creating a mood.

Storytelling traditionally begins with a "Once upon a time..." opening. and then a storyteller’s silent pause to gather his thoughts. The traditional openings, of which there are many (often with responses from the audience), were "rituals" that served as a signal that the teller was suspending "time and space" as we know it and transporting the audience to a world of imagination and play. They identified the teller and established the audience’s commitment to accept for the moment that imaginary world and its "rules". Similar "rituals" also signal the end of the story and their return to reality. Many adults today have forgotten these "rules of the game." There are online lists of Beginnings and Endings.

Some attention keepers:
Many factors affect the attention of your listeners. A storyteller always needs to be sensitive to his audience and may need to regain their attention before continuing.


Involvement or participation. Use volunteer(s) from the audience in your story. Or have the audience participate in hand motions or making sound effects. Or responding with "chants" or refrains
A distinct change in your pace, voice, or mood.
An unusual or unexpected twist in the narration.
Throw-away lines or asides work well as does comic relief.
Be especially prepared to deal with disruptions with groups of children. There is always one or two children that want the attention. Sometimes you can just ignore it; sometimes it make 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.

Concluding:
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 loose ends. Let them go away thinking about what has been said, and drawing their own meaning from it!

Applause is no measure of the effectiveness of a story presentation. Sometimes it will be exuberant, but other times the audience is quietly savoring and treasuring the story. An attentive audience and the feeling you "told it well" are the best reward you can have.

Finally...and most importantly: The more you practice- the more skilled you will become. Don't be afraid to try different methods. Be creative. As you do learn from your experiences. Expect to flop, the best of us do. Don't be overly self- conscious. Have fun and share the joy of story.

In the end, it is most important that you should tell your story in your own words with sincerity and enthusiasm and....


Tell stories!, Tell stories!! Tell stories!!!