Oral Storytelling – An Introduction Part 1

About

We look into the basic steps of oral storytelling and explore how a written story or a story from memory finds its own voice. The work enhances communication and presentational skills, as well as developing imagination and the ability to improvise.

The art of oral storytelling has existed since the beginning of time and has always been crucial for the development of cultures. Even now, in our modernised world, stories are inseparably linked with our lives: We tell stories every day: both our own and other peoples’. Communication is unthinkable without something to tell.

But, what is the difference between storytelling as an art form and daily life storytelling? How do I make a story come truly alive, be it a personal or a traditional one?

The work enhances communication and presentational skills, as well as developing imagination and the ability to improvise.

Biographical and traditional stories are the basis for this course. We focus on the playful development of language and look at different means of physical communication. Participants will listen to stories and share experiences in reflexion and discussions.

Contents

Traditional, biographical and improvised stories
Exercises on teller perspective and personal positioning
Playful introduction to creative language
Awareness of body language
Constructive audience feedback
Reflexion and discussions

Course leader

Ragnhild A. Moerch

Target group

The course is open to anyone interested in oral storytelling, no previous experience is necessary.

Course aim

The workshop consists of exercises such as mnemo- and visualisation techniques, improvisation and re-telling. Participants will use storyboarding and story mapping to familiarize with the structure of the story.

Fee info