Great actors don't hide behind a character; they reveal themselves through the character. That's what great storytellers do too.
Once again, I revert to the adage: Tell stories you love. But now I add to that: Show us how and why you love them.
Show us what parts of you relate to the story. What emotions can you bring forth from your own experiences that enhance the tale? This doesn't mean you need to break down and cry if it is a sad tale. Remember, you don't want the audience to think they have to take care of you. But if you tell a sad tale with no emotions, or masking your own sadness, the tale will not ring true.
When you encounter a story that you love, take time to understand why you love it. What parts of your life does the story touch? When I started telling Stealing Smells, I realized that it connected to all the times when I had felt wrongly accused; times when I felt bullied and overpowered. My love of this story clearly touches very deep emotions in me.
In the telling, I try to reveal the fear and trepidation in the character of Rochal, the poor girl. I can also reverse roles with Mordechai, the baker, and get in touch with his greed and need for power. I understand both emotions, because I have experienced them. My job as the teller is to find a way to use myself to reveal these to the audience. I cannot do this if I am hiding behind the mask of "performing" or "trying to be funny", or "trying to teach a lesson."
Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”
- National Storytelling Network? You should be.
