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March 16, 2016 7:33 PM Subscribe
What are some good books/resources on the craft of oral storytelling?
I would like to learn how to tell stories better to other people in my everyday life, as well as in my weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. I already have plenty of stories/ideas to draw on - I just want to present them in a fun and engaging way. As you likely know, improvisation is a big part of roleplaying, so any suggestions there would be helpful, too. I already found this past AskMeFi thread, but it focused on suggestions, whereas I'd like to build a reading list of good sources.
What are some resources, especially books, that teach concrete techniques to help me grow?
I would like to learn how to tell stories better to other people in my everyday life, as well as in my weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. I already have plenty of stories/ideas to draw on - I just want to present them in a fun and engaging way. As you likely know, improvisation is a big part of roleplaying, so any suggestions there would be helpful, too. I already found this past AskMeFi thread, but it focused on suggestions, whereas I'd like to build a reading list of good sources.
What are some resources, especially books, that teach concrete techniques to help me grow?
The Jim Hensen series The Storyteller is masterful in crafting stories. You can find all of them (14 episodes) on YouTube.
posted by guster4lovers at 9:11 PM on March 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by guster4lovers at 9:11 PM on March 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Great Lecture Series has "the Art of Storytelling: From Parents to Professionals".
It's pricey, but if your library system is anything like mine they might have it or be able to inter library loan it.
It's in audio format, which really works for the subject matter.
posted by bswinburn at 11:54 PM on March 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's pricey, but if your library system is anything like mine they might have it or be able to inter library loan it.
It's in audio format, which really works for the subject matter.
posted by bswinburn at 11:54 PM on March 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
You can listen to storytelling podcasts like The Moth.
posted by Brittanie at 1:24 AM on March 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Brittanie at 1:24 AM on March 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Do you live in or near an urban area where you could find storytelling classes? Much as it's hard to study singing by reading a book, oral storytelling skills are best developed in person so that you get instant feedback. Improv, acting and public speaking classes (even Toastmasters) would also be good. But yes, watching YouTube videos of The Moth or other storytelling shows would be a distant second-best option.
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 8:21 AM on March 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 8:21 AM on March 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
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posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 9:07 PM on March 16, 2016 [1 favorite]