The occupation of Storyteller is to share narratives with an audience. A narrator, storyteller, story teller, story-teller, tale teller, or tale-teller may all refer to someone who has a career in storytelling.
Storytellers may work in a variety of settings, including schools, libraries, bookstores, book festivals, museums, and community organizations. While some storytellers focus on traditional folktales and mythology, others tell original stories or retell familiar tales in their own words.
A professional storyteller unlocks the power of creative expression through storytelling!
With their skillful blending of storytelling techniques and multimedia presentations, professional storytellers can unlock the power of creative expression and bring literature to life.
We will explore the history of the storyteller profession, examine how technology is changing professional storytelling today, analyze the benefits of becoming a professional storyteller and provide tips for aspiring professionals who want to hone their craft.
History
Professional storytelling has a rich history that dates back centuries and spans cultures all around the world. Storytellers have come from a wide range of backgrounds, such as authors, poets, performers, and community organizers.
In some cultures, storytellers are respected members of the community who are called upon to share their narratives with an audience. In Latin America, for example, professional storytellers are known as CantaJuegos in Colombia, Cantantes in Mexico and Puerto Rico, and Contadores de Cuentos in Cuba. A mix of singing and storytelling, which is closely linked to their cultural identity.
In Africa, they are called griots, and raconteurs, and in the United States professional storytellers are often referred to as “bards”. Storytellers from all cultures typically use storytelling techniques such as metaphor and allegory to convey their messages.
African Griot
African Griot is an African storyteller, historian, praise singer, poet, or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages.
Raconteur
Raconteur has old French roots. The story of the raconteur is a tale of telling and counting. English speakers borrowed the word from French, where it traces back to the Old French verb raconteur, meaning “to tell.”
Fabulists
Professional storytellers are often referred to as fabulists due to their ability to spin tales with a unique blend of narrative, memory, and imagination.
Fabulists must have a deep understanding of language, analytical skills, and the ability to use wordplay to captivate and engage their audiences. They often weave together stories from different cultures and times to create a unique tale.
Fabulists also employ improvisation techniques, like word games, to help their audience become active participants in the storytelling process. Additionally, they may use props or costumes to bring their stories to life.
Films often feature the narration of a renowned figure, heightening their quality and value. Depending on if they portray an integral character in the story or not, narrators can be categorized as intradiegetic or extra-diegetic respectively.
Famous Storytellers Who Will Inspire You
Fame and broad public recognition of storytellers is not a new concept. Many storytellers have been celebrated for centuries, and it’s easy to find inspiration from famous names like Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm.
More recently, storytellers such as J. K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman have achieved global recognition for their works of fiction.
Synonymy
In addition to storytelling techniques, professional storytellers also use synonymity to help their audiences understand the stories they are telling. Synonyms are words with similar meanings and can be used to convey nuances of a character or plot point.
For example, if a storyteller were telling a story about a wise old man, he might use words like sage, venerable, and sagely to convey the man’s wisdom. Using synonyms allows storytellers to bring their stories to life with a unique level of detail and nuance.
Crosswords
In addition to storytelling techniques and synonymity, professional storytellers may also use crosswords or puzzles to help engage their audiences. Crossword puzzles are a great way to exercise the mind, engage the audience in problem-solving and help stimulate creativity.
Crosswords can also be used as a tool for teaching children about language, culture, history and other topics. Professional storytellers may use crosswords to encourage their audiences to think critically about the stories they are hearing.
Benefits of Becoming a Professional Storyteller
Becoming a professional storyteller can be a highly rewarding experience both financially and emotionally. Storytelling is an art form that has been around for centuries and it is still highly valued today. Professionals in this field have the opportunity to connect with audiences on a deeper level and make an impact on those who hear their tales.
On the financial side, professional storytellers can earn money for performances and workshops. They may also be hired to write stories or teach classes on storytelling techniques. These activities can lead to long-term contracts, allowing them to make a steady income from their craft.
In terms of personal satisfaction, storytellers have the unique opportunity to tell tales that will resonate with listeners long after they’ve been told. Storytellers also have the satisfaction of knowing that their story has had a positive impact on the lives of others.
Finally, professional storytellers can take pride in being part of an international storytelling community and having access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. With this knowledge, they can continue to hone and improve their storytelling skills, ensuring that each of their performances is unique and captivating.
How to Be a Better Storyteller in Conversation
Whether it be a personal anecdote, something funny that happened to you, or an event from your past – we all have stories to tell. The key is telling the story in such a way that will captivate and interest others.
How Technology is Changing Professional Storytelling
Technology is making it easier for professional storytellers to share their stories with more people. They can use podcasts, websites, and apps to tell their stories and reach a larger audience.
Technology also allows them to use new tools like videos, animations, and sound effects that help make the story come alive.
Professional storytellers can also find new ways of connecting to their listeners by using social media or other online platforms.
Jim Henson’s Biography
Storyteller Jim Henson was one of the most innovative and creative minds of our time. He was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker. He achieved worldwide notice as the creator of The Muppets, who changed the way that we view television and movies.
Visual Storyteller on FB
A visual storyteller is someone who tells visual stories through posts on Facebook. They use photos, videos, and other visual elements to engage their audience and tell a story. Storytelling is a wonderful method to interact with one another and the entire world.
The Storyteller
Storytellers and authors Jodi Picoult, Dave Grohl, Fiona Valpy, and others have all taken up the mantle of professional storyteller and continue to share their stories with audiences everywhere.
Each of these renowned figures has a book named The Storyteller, which showcases their unique blend of storytelling skills.
The Storyteller is also home to an extensive library filled with stories from around the world.
Tips for Aspiring Professional Storytellers
Storytelling is a profession that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. For aspiring professional storytellers, it is important to have the right network of people behind you and to hone your craft regularly. This means networking with other storytellers, making connections in the industry, and sharing ideas.
Networking can be done through attending storytelling festivals, joining storytelling organizations and societies, and finding people to collaborate with. Aspiring storytellers should also take the time to practice their craft regularly, by sharing stories in front of an audience or writing them down.
Finally, storytellers should research different storytelling techniques and work on developing their own style that stands out. They should also look into the different cultures and countries where storytelling originated, such as Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. By learning about these cultures and their stories, storytellers can bring an original perspective to their performances.
Conclusion
Professional storytellers have the unique opportunity to connect with audiences on a deeper level and make an impact with their tales. There are many benefits to becoming a professional storyteller, including financial rewards, personal satisfaction, and being part of an international storytelling community.
Technological advances are making it easier for professional storytellers to reach wider audiences, and aspiring storytellers should focus on networking to build their platform and honing their craft through practice. Research into the different cultures and countries where storytelling originated can also help aspiring storytellers bring an original perspective to their performances.
With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful professional storyteller.