Stories

There‘s nothing like listening to a good story. Storytelling can be a favorite part of each crew meeting. Read the tips below on improving your storytelling talent. This section is full of good interesting stories that kids of all ages will enjoy.

How to Tell a Good Story

  • Ideally, father and child should find a way to tell each story together. All stories should be tailored to the children. If they enjoy it, then the dads will too.
  • The first step in telling a good story is to find the proper story. Keep in mind the audience to whom you will tell the story. Their age and interests are important factors. Avoid morbid or overly sentimental stories. Your story may be taken from history, literature, the Bible legends or even a contemporary news item.
  • After finding the story, the storyteller should know the story. Reading from a book is ineffective in captivating an audience. It is impossible to have personal contact with the audience when reading aloud to them. Read and reread the story until you can visualize each character and each scene in relation to the climax.
  • When telling a story, try to tell it as dramatically as possible. Use your head, your hands and your feet in telling your story. Don't be embarrassed at changing your voice to fit the character or mood of your story. Children do not listen to a story told in monotone. Watch your audience; if they become restless or lose interest, change your voice, speed up action - anything to liven the story and keep their interest.
  • Start your story dramatically. Better to say: "'Twas a dark and stormy night. There were four of us about the campfire..." than to say: "I'm going to tell you about..." Avoid lengthy, long-winded introductions. Get to the point and get there fast.
  • Your story may have a moral, but it is not necessary to explain or point out the moral. If it is a good story that is well told, the children will figure out the meaning for themselves.
  • The setting is important. Be as close as possible physically to your audience. Have them close together; elbow to elbow is the rule. Avoid any unnecessary outside noise, confusion or interruption. If you are interrupted, treat the incident lightly and proceed with the story. Whenever possible, get down on your audience's level; sit on the floor with them.
  • End your story with a punchline. Leave the climax for the last paragraph, sentence, or even the last word. When the story has ended, let it be. Do not rehash, review, explain or moralize.
  • Never tell a story when they do not want to hear one. Make a story one of the treats of the meeting.
  • Never tell a story that you do not enjoy telling!