How to Fight the Fear of Storytelling in Public

Do Not Memorize! It is helpful to memorize the "bones" of your story (either on a storyboard or in an outline), but do not try to memorize the words. I have agonized along with storytellers who have forgotten the words they memorized, then become so flustered that they couldn't continue.

Move Around! When we stand glued, we magnify our chances for anxiety. By moving - and I don't mean pacing back and forth, which is distracting to the audience - we minimize our nervousness and add more interest to our delivery. Having props to use or even moving into the audience can help both the storyteller and the audience members. (note: avoid turning your back on any of the audience members when moving around. You will lose their attention.)

Pick Out Your Cheerleaders! As you look from one audience member to another - I do not advise looking over their heads, or scanning back and forth - you will find people who are nodding, smiling, and listening intently to your story. You will also see those who look bored or grumpy - even though they may not be either. Return your glances to the positive people who will spur your energy and confidence.

Visualize and Affirm! Before any endeavor, by visualizing your success and affirming your worth, you can make the difference between an average performance and a spectacular one. Be sure to take time to see yourself telling your story to an enthusiastic group and know in your heart that your story and has made a difference in at least one person's life.

Join a Storytelling Group or Guild. Most of the storytelling groups that I know encourage members to share stories at meetings, until they become comfortable in the telling. You will also get a chance to hear stories from tellers at different levels of telling expertise.

Remember, the more often you tell stories, the easier it becomes, and the more confident you will become as a teller. Look for opportunities for sharing your stories. They are all around us. In a future article I will suggest ways to keep on telling.

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