Storytelling... it makes us think of children gathered around campfires
listening to great stories at the end of an adventurous day... but storytelling
is so much more. We use it every single day, a lot of times not even
realizing it, in numerous professions-- as teachers or public speakers, to name
only a few. If still in doubt, just ask those who attend "Toastmasters"
meetings to improve their public speaking; they will come up with plenty of
ideas where your storytelling skills may come in handy.
Storytelling is particular important in writing world. As
writers, we have to master the art of storytelling in order to
grab readers' attention and keep them involved in the story.
Well, one easy way is to read and study Aneeta Sundararaj's
book. "How To Tell A Great Story" is an interactive, fun way to
learn where to find your story ideas and how to turn them into
great stories. "How To Tell A Great Story" can be used as an
introductory course in storytelling, in which readers have the
opportunity to actively participate through solving the
practical examples, quick quizzes and exercises sprinkled
throughout the book.
The author teaches her readers the "nuts and bolts," do's and
don'ts of storytelling. Using a friendly, supportive tone and
plain English, she explains the components, the "ingredients" of
a great story. As readers, we learn about plot and character,
about theme, and how to create excitement and give pace to the
story. Following the R.P.I. principle Sundararaj uses in her
book, we are able to achieve our goal and become skilled
storytellers. With each read page and every solved exercise, we
learn how to start with an idea and build it into a story, make
it ours and share it with our audience.
For those of you who are still unsure you can become skilled
storytellers, the author brings pro and con arguments and
explains each one of them, in plain English. The read is
informative and enjoyable. The tone is friendly and supportive;
examples and quizzes require serious work, but they are fun.
Oh, and what exactly is the R.P.I. principle? Well... for that
you have to read Sundararaj's book.
So, what are you waiting for?