I mentioned in a previous blog on my entertainers Facebook page that it was vitally important for a storyteller to connect with their audience. To build a bridge that they can cross over into your story, a connection. Of course it is not always possible to connect with all of the audience all of the time but you should be able to connect with most of them,most of the time.
But how do you connect ? What is the magic ccalixure for storytelling.
Well there are many factors but the main one would be the age of your group and your selection of stories. Every school I've ever worked I tried to keep the groups small and within a grade of each other. It didn't always work out that way but that was my goal. Libraries are much more challenging. I always prepare a selection of stories to work from and decide what to use after I get there. The festivals are a given depending on your status. You can pretty much use any material you want there within reason.
So what is the connection factor?
The connection factor is your Choice of stories AND how you tell them.
Why is ' story choice ' important?
I was once having lunch with DeeCee Cornish in Fort Worth , one afternoon , and we were discussing storytelling styles. DeeCee was describing a high school situation with some kids that he was going to be performing for and started off by just talking with them. He intentionally guided the conversation so that he could reminisce about his own youthful experiences. In short order he had them in the palm of his hand and began telling stories about his youth that they could connect with. He made storytelling personal and accessible to them, he created a connection.
Most times we don't have the luxioury of gabbing with our audience especially a specific one like that. So this is where experience plays big time.
Learning to read your audience.
I always come prepared to a general gig with a variety of stories in mind but sometimes I get there ( I always try to get there early to access my audience) and I'll do a complete reversal and select different stories based on my observations.
The big issue is to put your own personal wishes or desires aside so that you can tell the right stories for that audience.When I first began I would select my stories ahead of time and stick to that plan like glue but I wasn't always connecting with my audience and I knew it. I could see and feel it. So experience plays a big part in reading your audience. After a while I learned the importance of reading my audience and being flexible.
So the Key to connecting with your audience is simply to tell stories that they have something in common with.
Your style of telling.
All storytellers develop a unique style and this is what often creates followers. In the beginning you must find your own voice and style of storytelling. Style can help you connect with your audience. If your afraid or nervous that will be visible or noticeable to your audience. Your style may rely on your voice, temperment, ease, intensity, passion. All of these things are connection points for your
audience.
I have several specific programs that are history based. In this case I try to design my material with specific ages in mind. This decision becomes my way of connecting with my audience my building the program to connect with their age bracket. Again I am connecting. I am building a bridge.
Storytellers must make a connection with audience to create value for their stories. Build a bridge, give them a way into your would.
Gary Whitaker The Storyman
Www.storymantales.com
