Storyteller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Storyteller - Essay Example But he fails to specify the location of the story which is rather important for the children in understanding the culture and the story itself. This gives the audience something concrete to think about, which makes them more involved mentally. When crafting a story, use people, places, and things the children knows. His vocabulary is exceptional and his pauses very much suit the children's speed of understanding. He also entertains and amuses children with his mimicking and gestures. Dialogues make use of different voices for different characters and he shifts his facing (or posture) as the dialog switches from character to character (smaller pot to bigger one). But sometimes his mimic and gesture go out of hand and looks hard. Keep gestures simple and natural. Gestures should add to the story, not detract from it. Be careful in being overly dramatic and trying to change the voice in a too dramatic way. This may actually be distracting. Also, it is extremely difficult to maintain this. The character may end up speaking with the wrong voice. The gesture should feel "right" at the spot where you are using it. The story is important and avoid showy movements which detract from the story. The audience has a very important role in storytelling - for their minds are the canvas on which the teller paints his tale. Here Vernon understands children's mind very well and chose a story which fits them well. He also looked to that the story gives the message everyone has their own purpose. This serves to teach the younger minds of the moral values. Mike Lockett - Anansi and the Snake Mike is also very much professional in creating the interest by his maneuvers. But he looks pretty hurried up in narrating the story. He starts the story in full swing and ends it the same way. He doesn't give his audience time to settle down to his narration speed. Storytelling is best done in a relaxed atmosphere. The audience ought to be comfortable and close. But he has this tool of driving the attention of the audience through his mimics. Here is mimicking of the snake and Ananci drew the attention. Many factors affect the attention of your listeners. A storyteller always needs to be sensitive to his audience and may need to regain their attention before continuing. He also uses his voice to create the atmosphere or tension as the story progresses. He also adds some selected phrases to provide the regional color. Watch that the attempts at dialect are not interpreted as making fun of someone's "accent." He made investigation of classic editions of works, the dialects used and the culture of the source country. To retain the original flavor and vigor, he has learnt the characteristic phrases which recur throughout the story. He also doesn't hesitate to use the dialects of the original story so as to create a feel for the source culture among the audience. He modulates his voice to help establish the mood. Sometimes lowering the voice is more effective in establishing suspense than raising it. Further he introduces classic tales which all well-informed people should know. Mike Miller -Benny the Frog Probably mike comes first to me in narrating the