Storytelling Performance Skills

Voice Mechanics Speaks with an appropriate volume for the audience to hear. Employs clear enunciation. Uses non- monotonous, vocal expression to clarify the meaning of text. Understands speech rhythm. Can change voice to show change of mood and change of character in the story being told.

Storytelling Performance Skills Facial and Body Gestures Expressively uses non-verbal facial, hand, and body gestures to clarify the meaning of text and the introduction of character and setting. Uses movement to further attract audience attention to character or setting.

Storytelling Performance Skills Focus Concentration is directed, clear, and continuous. Understands and uses eye contact to engage and direct the audience. Uses movement and stage presence to enhance the story being told.

Storytelling Performance Skills Characterization Uses dialogue, props, and costume to make story, character, and setting believable. Understands the type of voice and the modulation to be used for each character being portrayed in dialogue, action, or reference.

Storytelling Performance Skills Presence Storyteller appears confident and comfortable in front of small or large audience. Knows how to make audience part of the story or to make the story interactive. Is able to evaluate audience response and change presentation to meet this changing situation.

Storytelling Performance Skills Spatial Techniques Storyteller displays understanding of spatial relationships of the stage to character as well as the relationship of character to narrator. Storyteller uses stage location to represent character and setting in the framework of the story to engage the audience.

Storytelling Performance Skills Pacing The story has a smooth step-by-step flow. The teller realizes the audience’s interest in the story and employs high and low “excitement techniques” to keep the listener’s interest..

Storytelling Performance Skills The Evaluation The participants will create a 1-5 point rubric for each of the seven areas highlighted. The rubrics will identify Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Accomplished rating procedures. These ratings can be given to the presenter to construct and evaluate a performance.

Storytelling Performance Skills An Example Voice Mechanics BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedAccomplishedComments