Carol Knarr - Storyteller and Drama Specialist

 

His response actually stung a little as if my philosophy was somehow wrong or one who enjoys the thrill of riding the ride of the story is less rehearsed. I began to rethink my philosophy of winging it—perhaps I was wrong. I even felt the pangs of guilt that I was not well-rehearsed enough and therefore not very good.

 

Beginning storytellers do need to explore various ways of developing their skill and voice. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone allows for new perspectives and self-knowledge. For me, improvisation and performing without a lot of rehearsal is comfortable. There is an energy that ignites when I allow myself to have a few rough edges. It’s as if that nervousness is given permission to spark new ideas and allow for the flexibility to play with those ideas as I tell. Oftentimes, something will come out of my mouth that is pure spontaneous genius. You bet it goes into the story the next time I tell it!

 

Granted, rehearsal is important, and I have grown through workshopping with other tellers. I also have witnessed tellers so afraid their work is not perfect they never put it out there or they apologize for the performance before they give it as if everyone needs to know they are still developing the work. Yes, I have crashed and burned on a few occasions when I told with a piece that was just too new to me. Those first years of telling I made a lot of mistakes, but I made the mistakes because I was actively telling stories. 

 

Whatever your philosophy is-- to wing it or to practice, practice, practice—tell stories! I would rather be a storyteller riding the wave than standing in the wings waiting for my story to be good enough.  I must ask, good enough for whom?!

 

 

Carol Knarr is a professional storyteller and certified teacher. Find more information about Carol at www.carolknarr.com and www.storyteller.net.