Begin with silence. It takes “guts” to stand in front of an audience after being introduced without saying something immediately, but this can prove to be one of the strongest ways to get their attention and to create rapport. I suggest that we start our storytelling by standing quietly, making eye contact with audience members, letting them make contact with us, and then once everyone is comfortable and waiting with anticipation, start with a dynamic story. You will be amazed at the level of attention this produces. And, if you choose to start with a story that involves the listeners, you will find that they will be ready to give you their all, because you have already created a bond through your silence.
Pause to develop relationship between you and your listeners. During a pause, the storyteller is more like a listener. This is a time when both teller and audience are listening and the teller can take note of the audience’s quality of listening. We might realize that as the teller that we need to change course and tell a light or humorous story. Or it may be time to have the group repeat a phrase or sing along. If, however, we don’t take a moment to evaluate reactions and interest, we might just forge ahead without realizing that we have lost the audience’s attention.
Pause with purpose. There are many times throughout a storytelling performance that a pause can add emphasis and/or give the listener a chance to ponder, or even laugh. When we have just told the turning point or points in a story, the listeners need to have time to think about what we just said, or catch up. Even though we can hear words faster than anyone can speak, we do need a moment or two or three to dream our own dreams, see our own images, and create our own version of the story. If, as storytellers, we give participants enough time, they will be much more likely to internalize and remember the story so they can share it with others later. I have also heard storytellers who tell a humorous story and then don’t let the audience members have time to “get it” and laugh. People need time to laugh. And laughter is important because it creates rapport between the audience and teller.
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