I wanted to go back to basics and touch on what it is that makes storytelling so different from reading a book aloud. First of all there is no book or script of any kind involved. The story has been committed to memory, and because of this no telling is ever exactly the same, making the experience of hearing the tale wonderfully unique. Storytelling is a performance, it requires an audience, but this audience can be just 1 person or a crowd of 1001. The element of live performance changes the story again, the storyteller must adapt to the needs of the listeners.

Storytelling draws upon a vast heritage of lore, myths, epic tales, folk tales, travellers tales, love stories, creation tales, legends of Gods and humanity from all around the world. Storytelling is more than just performance or entertainment. It can educate, inspire, support and celebrate diversity. Storytelling is about the passing on of tradition and history . It is the sharing of human experience.

For me personally, what makes my craft so special is the thrill of live performance. A space in which to tell the story and an audience who are eager to hear it are all that is required, along with an intimate understanding of the story itself. To adapt the story each and every time it is told, depending on that audience, the venue, the mood of the teller and his listeners keeps the experience fresh and alive. Storytelling is free of the constraints of theatre, the teller can speak directly to the audience, ask questions, engage them in call and response.

It is a deceptively simple process, the spoken word used to engage, excite and enthrall through narrative. To create images, pictures, concepts, characters, relationships and metaphors just with words. But as storyteller there is also an element of risk. Will the audience ‘get it’, will they follow me, will they respond when I call? Its a relationship of trust between audience and performer, they trust me to take them on a journey, I trust its a journey they want to take. Experience has shown me that audiences of all backgrounds and ages love to hear a good story, and that is what keeps me going. They are sharing the experience with me as storyteller, they are on my side. So if you’re thinking of giving it a go, take the leap! To share a story is a truly magical experience.

The response to my offer of free mentoring was huge with all three spaces snapped up with 24 hours. Interested respondents all work with children and want to develop their professional practice, and this training will undoubtedly enable them to offer a new dimension to their work and possibly even open up a new line of work.

I have now made a 4^th free place available. I am looking for someone working in business or media who wants to work on developing their presentation skills. Learning the art of storytelling will improve confidence, public speaking and audience engagement. If you are interested please click here.

If you are still interested in the storytelling training then please do contact me. I am inviting a larger group to the initial free training session, which will be a practical and informative introduction to storytelling. It will take place in the beginning of January, if you want to come along let me know.