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Don't look now but we're surrounded...by stories. Everywhere we look and listen, stories are being told, retold and even created. Our Storied Past Growing up, we were told stories, by our parents, grandparents, favorite Uncle or Aunt. That's how we learned about our rich family history and ethnic heritage. Whether around the dinner table or the kitchen table, the fireplace, front stoop or back porch. Our parents and babysitters used stories to put us to sleep at night. Whether they read tales from books, told family stories passed down through generations, or made up stories to suit our fancy, stories instilled values, pride and an understanding of how the world worked. Stories helped us envision what was possible, and cautionary tales told us what not to do! In school we were told stories to teach us about our nation. We studied stories: whether about the building of our nation, Greek mythology or Shakespeare's classics. After school and on weekends we learned stories of our religious heritage. Summer camps were full of stories. As were fishing and camping trips. And of course, we as kids told tales out of school! We were natural storytellers. Our novels, radio and TV shows, movies and newspapers are also full of stories, with exotic settings, fascinating characters, incredible journeys, seemingly unconquerable obstacles and fantastic triumphs of epic proportions. Even the Opera, rap and commercials are further examples of stories, expertly told, that connect with others. Relocating The Storyteller in You As we get older we learn new ways of imparting information: the essay, the résumé, the elevator speech, job interview, the meeting report. Meanwhile our storytelling skills atrophy. The good news: relief is just a Toastmasters meeting away. I recommend you start by telling two-minute stories in the form of responses to weekly Table Topics. Two Minute Tales As we get older we learn new ways of imparting information: the essay, the résumé, the elevator speech, job interview, the meeting report. Meanwhile our storytelling skills atrophy. The good news: relief is just a Toastmasters meeting away. I recommend you start by telling two-minute stories in the form of responses to weekly Table Topics. What are the elements of a story? Setting, characters, action, and reaction, leading to a resolution. You can do all that, in style, in two minutes, and even receive applause for your effort. And don't underestimate the power of an archetypal story, one whose theme, structure or feel we know almost inherently. Those connect the best. And The Topic Is... Here are some examples of topics you might receive and how your response can take the form of a story. Why is Bike Safety Important?
The Vacation from Hell…
The First Kiss
The Ghost Story
My favorite Pet
Your Favorite Meal or Food
Stories Speak According to storyteller Jean Ellisen, 2006-07 co-director of the Bay Area Storytelling Festival: "Stories speak! Among of the benefits of story and storytelling: to remind us how to listen. If we could just be better listeners, we'd reduce our workplace quarrels, interpersonal strife, and globally the world would be a more peaceful place." We, as Toastmasters can do our part, two minutes at a time. Two-Minute Warning! Scour your kitchen for an egg timer and use it to practice your two-minutes stories. (Remember, in Table Topics you have up to 2 ½ minutes! Leave a little sand in the glass.) When you're next called for Table Topics, think story instead of speech or stream of consciousness. Whatever the topic you can likely tell a two-minute story, replete with a locale, characters, a challenge and a triumph. As 85-year old Toastmaster and storyteller Orunamamu often tells her Oakland. CA's Lakeview Toastmasters (2767-57): "I stepped on a pin, the pin bent,
Well, what are you waiting for? It's story time! Photo by Ed Washington, Calgary 8/06
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© Copyright 2006 Craig Harrison. All
Rights Reserved. Past District Governor Craig Harrison, DTM of Oakland California's Lakeview Toastmasters (2767-57), was also a 6-year board member of the Storytelling Association of California. He founded Expressions of Excellence!™ to provide sales and service solutions through speaking. SAC sponsors the annual Bay Area Storytelling Festival, held the weekend before Memorial Day in May each year outdoors in El Sobrante, CA.
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