Home » Reading & Literature » Storytelling » How to Use Time and Timing Wisely when Telling Stories

How to Use Time and Timing Wisely when Telling Stories

© Chris King

Anyone who has told stories often knows the importance of time and timing. Used with planning, time can be a storyteller's best friend. Used without thought, however, time can ruin a performance and rob a teller of credibility, reputation, and the joy of experiencing eager listeners. In this column, I will highlight the ins and outs of time management for storytellers - and I am not referring to the Day Planner kind of time management!

First and foremost, pay attention to the times set for your performance. It should go without saying that a professional is always on time - or even early - for a performance. Even if your stories are perfect for the age group to whom you will be telling, when you will be telling and for how long should be considered. For example, if you will be telling at a birthday party, try not to be scheduled at the beginning. You will be interrupted by the continual disruption caused by latecomers. When planning the length of programs, pay attention to the following tips. Preschool up to six and seven year olds will usually love listening for about 30 minutes, especially if you add interactive rhymes, rhythm and singing. I also suggest that mornings work better for this group when they are still fresh and eager. From eight to 11 years of age, youngsters will easily remained entranced for 45 minutes, and I think any time of the day is fine, unless there is a special party or recess looming.

If you will be performing at a Junior High School and/or High School, be aware that you will not have the time flexibility afforded in the lower grades. When a bell rings, the students must go to their next class, no matter how gripping the story you are in the middle of is. This is exactly what happened to me the first time I told in a High School. The listeners all looked pained as they jumped up to leave (I hadn't reached the end of a gripping story yet), but the teacher in charge said that they had to go, otherwise he would have had to write out a late pass for each of them. Be sure to know what time those bells will ring, so that you can pace yourself. This takes us into the following topic.

Time your stories beforehand and plan stories of all lengths. No matter where you will be telling stories, you must be prepared to tell stories that fit the time limit given to you. Often, your performance will not start on schedule, so know how to shorten the stories you have decided to tell, or have shorter ones ready. I even practice with a kitchen timer handy, or while driving so that I can glance at the car's clock. Never, never go over the time allotted to you when performing in a concert with other tellers - it is rude and thoughtless. And, if a teller and/or tellers preceding you go over their time, you will endear yourself to the whole group - and especially the planning committee - if you shorten your time on stage and get the concert back on schedule. A short, punchy story or a well-sung ballad can make as much of an impression on the audience as a long, drawn out tale.

The copyright of the article How to Use Time and Timing Wisely when Telling Stories in Storytelling is owned by . Permission to republish How to Use Time and Timing Wisely when Telling Stories in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.