Minggu, 11 September 2011

Everybody Loves Story Telling!

Shared by:  Monika Sugiarto
Everybody Loves Story Telling!

Is story telling something only for children? I do not think so. Look at the
block buster movies that entertain millions of people. Harry Potter,
Titanic, Star Wars and all your favorite motion pictures are accounts of
what was, what is, or what could be. We love to listen to tales that help us
understand our world, and give us clear directions to reach our dreams.

Story telling precedes the written word. For thousands of years, our
forefathers wove heroic legends explaining their origins and their survival.
Many cultures are aware of their unique oral traditions that shed light on
their history and development. The Aborigines of Australia have their
‘Dreaming’; Greeks and other European civilizations look back at their
larger-than-life saga and legends. In Asia we still enjoy many varieties of
storytelling like hand-puppets, shadow puppets, dances and plays that
narrate myths like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

In Indonesia, a ‘dalang’ is a puppeteer and is still revered by many people.
The ‘dalang’ has magical powers. With his knowledge and clever use of words,
experiences, jokes and even foolishness he takes his audience on classic
journeys of how courage, patience and willpower can overcome defeat. He will
paint fantastic possibilities in his listeners mind, so that they have hope
and can live a better life.


You too can become an admired ‘dalang’, a great story teller, as long as you
are willing to learn the necessary techniques and practice for greatest
impact. As you live your life, work, learn and have fun, you experience many
big and small incidents that shape you. Are you aware and in the moment to
register these lessons and experiences? There is absolutely no reason
anybody can say: “Nothing ever happens to me that would be of interest to
others!”

What are important ingredients for successful story telling? The first and
most important ingredient is *dialogue*. In order to let your audience
experience the happenings in real time, use dialogues. That’s when you can
express the mind-set of the people involved in the narrative. You can show
their real emotions with your face and body, which will draw your audience
into the story. Be sure to use appropriate vocal variety for an even greater
impact.

Dialogues can be between:
• Two or more people
• Speaker talking or thinking to him/herself
• Person and animal or things (car, computer)
• Speaker with the audience

What else is important? Each story has to make a* point*, teach a life
lesson, and give us some advice or hope. Make sure your audience understands
clearly why you tell this particular story at this point of your
presentation. Never ever assume, they automatically understand your
conclusion. Give your listeners clear statements to what you mean or want
them to understand.

*Pauses* are a vital element in storytelling. Before you get to the climax
of your account be sure to pause, so as to make your audience anticipate
your next words. Give your audience the chance to digest fully all the
dialogues, the words and non verbal communication. Don't be afraid of
silence at appropriate spots.

Great speakers and sales people know the power of storytelling. They learn
and practice this easy and very effective form of transmitting information
in an entertaining way. They utilize all the emotional tools necessary to
take their audience on a touching journey and help their listeners solve
problems. Tell a story and sell a point is a saying by Craig Valentine, World
Class Speaking.


Thusday,  25 Agustus, 2011 00:28

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