How to be a Storyteller
By June Davis Davidson, author and storyteller
Welcome, I'm June Davis Davidson, also known as Ms. June Bug, a Mississippi storyteller.
I'm a weaver of tales, the spinner of lore and I've a secret to share and a story too, how you too, can spin a tale or two.
Storytelling is easy as learning a favorite nursery rhyme. In a few lessons, you can learn the fundamentals, what techniques are used, and in what order to use them to recall story elements.
Storytelling, as an art form is used to educate and entertain people of all ages.
I've shared my secret, and now I would like you, to become a storyteller too.
About Me-June Davis Davidson
Upon my introduction to storytelling, I knew my life would never be the same, what joy the art of story telling has brought to me and so many others. Becoming a storyteller has led to a life long passion for many. This age old oral tradition is a rewarding and unique art form.
One of my goals is to teach by weaving entertaining tales with facts. A storyteller can teach in many ways. History happens to be one of my favorite subjects and my goal is to bring characters to life within the story, add in facts and weave into a compelling tale to capture the attention of my audience.
Learning to use voice, gestures, emotions and body movement will enhance the storyteller skills. More will be covered on these important topics later.
As children, my sister and I huddled by the radio listening to episodes of Amos and Andy, The Green Hornet and The Screeching Door. Our visuals were not from a television or movie screen but took place in our imagination, as the actors verbally portrayed their roles.
Today, Just like many decades ago, the listening audience visualizes story scenes, as I did so many years ago, sitting by the radio.
Terrence Roberts, in my opinion, a master at the art of storytelling announced the release of his recent CD, Da Story Weaver. If you enjoy a good storyteller, listen to Mr. Roberts tales... You'll be glad you did.
Although your goal may not be one of the professional storyteller, but simply tell stories in an entertaining way at family gatherings, or you may need the skills of a storyteller as a public speaker. Which ever is true, the techniques are the same for both the professional and novice storyteller.
Participation stories are fun for children because they can take an active part in the story. When telling a participation story, choosing a story with repetitious actions or words may be helpful for the beginning storyteller.
In the story, Three Billy Goat Gruff, the goats must go up the hill side to find green meadows. To reach the hill side, The three Billy Goat Gruff must cross over a bridge of raging water. Living below the bridge is a troll who does not allow anyone to traipse across the bridge.
Each time a billy goat steps onto the bridge, slap your thighs gently. This will mimic the action to the sound of the goats traipsing across the bridge. Cue the children so they can participate by mimicing the sound-trip trap, trip, trap, trip, trap.
Scat the Cat is a fun participation story for children. Mississippi storyteller, Brenda Pritchett does a fantastic job telling this story as Mrs. Peabody.
Children can participate in Scat the Cat by either by saying "snap" and pretend to snap little fingers, or by repeating the chorus line. The story of Scat the Cat and illustration can be found at Dr. Jeans
One of the best storytellers in Mississippi has a new CD, Da Story Weaver by Terrence Roberts. If you enjoy hearing entertaining stories, then this talented teller will entertain both children and adults.
Cue the children as to where you would like them to participate in the story by raising a hand or making another gesture.
The steps used to recall a story once you've read the story a few times are:
Sketching Events-Anchoring
Mimic actions-Anchoring
Outline Story-Anchoring
Be a Storyteller
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Learn how Storytelling Groups can benefit both the seasoned and new storyteller.
Resources for Books and Stuff for Storytellers and Others that may be of interest.
In mid-February I decided to add a blog page of current news and storytelling events
Find out more about this Mississippi storyteller by clicking on blog at the top of the page.
My goal in the introduction to storytelling is to promote and teach the art of oral storytelling.
Forum added, please join us in the Storytellers Forum. Post storytellers questions or make a comment. Like this site? Let us know and post your comment the forum.
More about me - June Davis Davidson
I've attended several storyteller and advanced storyteller workshops by Sarah Mutziger. Mrs. Mutziger is a talented storyteller skilled in the art. She is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster and is my mentor.
When accepted into the teaching artist workshop by MAC in August of '09, the training received during this three-day event led to a deeper exploration into the art of storytelling. Since this time, I've attended another workshop held January and hosted by the Mississippi Arts Commission.
The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) offers workshops throughout the year for the arts. Many who attend, are listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster and artist who will apply in the future. Each year, the MAC accepts applications from skilled artist, including storytellers who meet the application guidelines. Applicants are required to furnish detailed information for review by the MAC panel. Acceptance by the MAC is a goal of many artists.
Mississippi has produced many famous authors, actors, actresses, song writers and singers. The arts have thrived over the decades in Mississippi and continues today, and so It is with pride when I say, I am a Mississippian.
© June Davis Davidson
Ms. June Bug, the storyteller at local school
Waving goodbye until my next storytelling visit