How good are YOU as a story teller?

Have you ever wondered if those boring classroom sessions were actually that boring because of the subject matter or it was the dull, dismal method of delivery?

Listening to someone telling a story or narrating an event over coffee, at restaurants, or in a classroom and getting absolutely bored to death is something all of us can relate to.

The meat of the story was interesting, but for some reason you just couldn’t stay intrigued.

Or maybe you heard an anecdote that completely blew you away, but when you tried to retell it, it didn’t have nearly the same impact.

Why was that?

Story-telling is an art like writing and there is a way it should be done to be captivating and completely effective. Whether you are addressing a large group of people or just narrating an incident from your last visit to a supermarket, there are certain guidelines you should follow if you truly wish to impress your audience.

Firstly, don’t think you have to be perfect the first time you tell your story. However, if you love your story and have prepared it reasonably well, it will surely be a hit with your listeners. And each time you tell the story, you and your story will improve.

Give your listeners your full energy. If speaking to a group of people, aim your voice at the back row. Make your words ring. Avoid verbal trash like “umh” or “you know.” Sit or stand, but face your audience squarely, and with a straight back. No fidgeting, hands in pockets or shifting from foot to foot.

Make eye contact with your listeners. Talk to them. If there are too many of them or you can’t see them all, look mostly at the ones in front. If some aren’t paying attention, focus on those who are.

As you tell your story, take your time, and give time to your listeners—time to comprehend and visualize the story, time to laugh, time to experience it, time to reflect, time to anticipate what may come next. It’s usually easy to go too fast and hard to slow down. If you are losing their attention, you may need to go slow! After the story, be sure to leave time for the audience for appreciation.

Storytelling is interactive. As your listeners respond to your story, let your story respond to your listeners. Make your voice and gestures bigger or smaller. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, so next time you can change, add, or subtract. Stretch or shrink parts of the story accordingly.

Above all, trust yourself, your audience, and your story. Keep in mind, they are there because they want to listen to what you have to say. Thus, speak confidently and be receptive to your audience’s reactions and expressions and IMPROVISE accordingly!