Storytelling vs Reading
Storytelling is different from reading aloud. When you READ a story, you look at a book and say the words on the page. But when you TELL a story, you know the story by heart and perform it with your whole self, eyes on the audience, hands making gestures, voice painting pictures with words.
Storytellers have existed since the beginning of human history, long before books were invented! Around campfires, in market squares, and in royal courts, storytellers captivated audiences with tales of heroes, monsters, magic, and adventure.
What makes a great storyteller?
They KNOW their story well enough to tell it without reading.
They LOOK at the audience and connect with them.
They use DIFFERENT VOICES for different characters.
They CHANGE SPEED to build suspense or excitement.
They use GESTURES and FACIAL EXPRESSIONS to show the action.
They INVOLVE the audience to keep them engaged.
A great storyteller makes the audience FORGET they are listening to a story. They feel like they are INSIDE the story, living it alongside the characters.