(See sample speech here)
Introduction
Storytellers have served many purposes throughout the centuries. They have been tellers of news, upholders of religion and morals, entertainers, and carriers of culture. But one of their most important functions has been that of historian. Before history was written on paper, storytellers were responsible for seeing that it was not forgotten. They told stories of leaders, war, love and significant events.
Executive Summary
Storytellers have also been historians, using their talents to tell the world about the events that shaped it. Stories about the Knights of the Round Table, battles, explorers and leaders are as interesting today as they were many years ago. When telling a historical story, narrow it to one event and make sure it has a plot, conflict, characters, a setting and action. Carefully develop the characters. You may have to cut the story to fit your time limits.
Objectives
- To understand the purpose of stories about historical events or people.
- To use the storytelling skills developed in the preceding projects to tell a story about a historical event or person.
Your Assignment
Select, prepare, rehearse, and tell a story about a historical event or person. The event or person may be mythical (for example, a story about Zeus), imaginative, fictional, or real. For example, you could tell a story about George Washington Carver, Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, or Mahatma Gandhi.
Be sure your story has a plot, setting, conflict, characters, and action and builds to a climax. Use description and dialogue to add feeling to your story. If necessary, cut the story to fit the project requirements. If needed, prepare a brief introduction that will provide your listeners with a synopsis of the action up to the point where your story begins.
The setting for your storytelling should be informal and the atmosphere relaxed and intimate. Ask your listeners to sit in a semicircle facing you. Don't stand behind a lectern or other obstacle. You don't want any barriers between your listeners and you.
This information is provided as a service to members. For full details on this speech project, refer to the Storytelling manual. All materials in the Toastmasters Educational Program are copyright Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.
The Storytelling Manual
