Welcome back to this conversation about storytelling. In this post, types of stories and techniques for storytelling will be explored. It is one thing to agree that storytelling is an amazing activity, but finding appropriate stories can sometimes prove challenging. Stories can take different forms, some keep you wondering while others make you laugh. Finding a story that suits your preferences and the occasion are important, some examples are mentioned below.

Types of Stories to Consider

Folklore is considered to be a traditional type of story. It can be based on a common belief or superstition. Some popular titles include Anansi and Papa Bois. Local authors for this genre include Wayne Gerard Trotman, Jerry Besson, Lylah Persad and Al Ramsawack.

Fairy Tales: These are often about magical creatures like dragons, elves and fairies, where birds may sing, beavers talk, or pumpkins change to carriages.

Rags to Riches stories will show a character who exists in an unfortunate event, perhaps being mistreated by a relative or held from a position of stature that is rightfully theirs.

Historical events can also make amazing stories. They can be about events specific to a country like Independence Day in Trinidad and Tobago or about global affairs that changed the world like the Industrial Revolution.

Comedy after a long day can make a great storytelling opportunity for both entertainment and relaxation. Such a story can be filled with silly rhythms or a ridiculous characters.

Mystery can include detective books with a group of friends trying to solve crime such as Hardy Brothers or a little girl seeking to understand the disappearance of some puppies.

Poetry is yet another option for storytelling. This style of writing can be used to feature issues affecting a society, may be about nature or personal experiences. Two local sources include Paul Keens-Douglas and the ROOTS Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago. For more information: www.nalis.gov.tt/Resources/Subject-Guide/Poetry.

Ways To Enhance Storytelling

There is no limit to an imagination and storytelling is about creative expression. It is important to find new ways to continuously bring stories to life. Say goodbye to boring storytelling and hello to exciting!! Some tips for storytelling include, but are not limited to, changing the tone of voices, adding facial expressions, using full body movement, costuming, make-up and emotional involvement.

Voices: change the tone of voice to match the character that speaks, for example for a child (softer, squeaky voice) or a man (deep or low voice). Another approach is to make sounds that are described in the story, such as whistling wind or the growling of a bear.

Stand: Based on the character, standing instead of sitting can make a difference in how the story is received by listeners. For instance, if the story involves a giant, your audience would be looking up instead of across, adding to the dramatic effect. Envision yourself at a podium on a huge stage with a vast audience and deliver the story with enthusiasm.

Costumes can be as simple as light make-up and a head-piece or extravagant as a full outfit to match the theme/character(s) of the story.

This blog was written to help individuals see storytelling as a great multifaceted activity for families to engage in. With some imagination and creativity, both children and adults have an opportunity to bring stories to life.

Sources

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Fairy Tale. Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/fairy-tale#.

“Folklore.” NALIS Catalogue,

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Bureman, Liz. “The Seven Types of Plots: Rags to Riches.” The Write Practice,

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