Storytelling

1. Choose only the best stories, stories that by their very virtue of style, theme, and plot beg to be told! Children deserve the best that we can give them. Second rate is not good enough. Choose stories from all genres—Biblical and spiritual master pieces, legends, fantasy, biography, poetry and so on.
2. Investigate the classics!  Read, read some more, study and practice telling the story until it is natural and flows with creativity and meaning.
3. Choose a story that speaks to you personally. A story you do not love will not be worth the telling since your own emotional involvement is part of a successful presentation.
4. Know your intended audience- age, interests, attention span. Trial and error may be your first guide to matching story with audience to find out what works well for you and the children and adults. Do not be afraid to experiment, however.
5. Read widely within all areas of literature. Always be on the look-out for a story that wants to be told. Develop a collection of stories that fit your personal storytelling style and meet your needs.
6. Locate books, cassettes/records/CDs, and other forms of media devoted to storytelling.
7. Attend storytelling conferences and performances to listen to stories done by master storytellers.