In one episode of Seinfeld, George decides that he will begin doing the complete opposite of what he would do normally. Amazingly, this method worked to George's advantage. . .for a time. Sometimes, this can work in storytelling too.
This past week, while telling at East Valley Tellers of Tales, I decided to try something different. (NOTE: EVTOT is one of the safest places to try out your story or try something new and get feedback from the group.) I was telling my original fairytale, The Princess & the Storyteller Frog. At the end of the story, the frog does change into a prince. In the past, I have always made this section like an explosion, quick and more energetic. My voice gets faster, louder, I am more animated. The language supports this, "In an instant, the frog transformed into a handsome prince!"
This time, I made a conscious decision to do the opposite, to go against tempo. I slowed my pace, I took an extra long pause before revealing the transformation. I spoke slowly and deliberately, "And indeed. . ." I looked around at the audience. Then slowly, while smiling, "The small frog was transformed into a tall, handsome prince." I could feel the difference it made, and the group confirmed that it was a better choice.
This is not to say that you should always do the opposite. But just for fun, for exploration of your story, once in awhile, try being George.