How to Use Time and Timing Wisely when Telling Stories

Attention to the timing, pacing and rhythm of your storytelling program will guarantee a successful outcome. I mentioned this previously in my column on creating a program that flows, but want to remind you of the advantage of interspersing short stories between the longer ones. If you have told a longer, gripping story, a short, snappy story will offer a break in the rhythm and even give your listeners a little rest. It helps if the shorter stories are humorous and/or involve the audience. And the timing and pacing within each story should also be practiced with diligence. If we don't vary our speed and use pauses, we will lose the audience to drowsiness. Let them have time to laugh, to ooh and ah, and to wonder what is going to happen next. In other words, don't race through your stories as so many beginning tellers do. Also, at the end of each story, and at the end of your program, give the audience a chance to show their appreciation by staying up front or on the stage long enough for them to give you a rousing round of applause. I have even been guilty of rushing back to my seat after sharing a story.

Take a time-out every week to increase your intellectual play - better known as creativity. Julia Cameron in her excellent book, The Artist's Way at Work , suggests the following: "Once a week for at least one hour, take yourself - the part of yourself you think of as your Inner Explorer - on some small festive adventure. Surely there's some place or activity you've always wondered about. Your time-out is your chance to go there or to try your hand at something new, to explore your wonder. .. Think mystery, not mastery. Time-outs are about awakening our sense of wonder. They are not about self-improvement." I know that this will add an extra dimension to your storytelling - it has to mine.

Remember that old cliché, "Time is of the essence." It really is. So, plan yours with care!

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