In simple words, storytelling is an art form that defines the valuable form of human expression. Stroy is essential no matter which art form is selected to depict the narration. However, with changing times, the word “storytelling” is often used in numerous ways. Taking online storytelling classes always seems like a perfect idea to get a better grasp on the subject while practicing the art in your comfort.
Storytelling is an interactive art form that uses words and actions to display the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener's imagination. In this article, we are sharing with you some finest storytelling techniques to enhance the quality of your story.
Eight Finest Storytelling Techniques
1) The Monomyth
Also known as the hero’s journey, the monomyth is a story structure that we usually see in folk tales, religious writings, and myths around the world.
In a monomyth story technique, the “hero” is asked to leave their home and go on an unknown adventurous journey facing different trials and tribulations. When the hero returns home, wiser than before, they set to help their community fight evil or other bad things. Lots of movies are based on a monomyth format, such as the Lion Kings, Star Wars, and so on.
2) The Mountain
The mountain is a storytelling technique to map the drama and tension in a story. It is a bit similar to the monomyth as it helps to plot & plan when certain events occur. And it is different from the former because it does not necessarily have a happy ending.
In the mountain, the first part of the story is to set up the scene and then follow by a series of slight changes and rising differences before a climactic conclusion. Think of the mountain as a TV Series, where each episode has its ups & downs, all trying to build up a big finale at the end of the season.
3) Nested Loops
The “nested loops” is a storytelling technique where the layering of three or more narratives within each other takes place. In this technique, you place your most important story in the center and then use the stories around it to explain that central principle.
Imagine your friend is telling you a story about a wise person in their life, a person who taught them an essential life lesson. Here, the first loops are your friend’s story, the second loops are the story of that wise person, and at the center, lies the important lesson that your friend wanted to tell you.
4) The Sparklines
The sparklines in a storytelling technique where a mapping of presentation structures takes place. Take the example of powerful speeches. The speakers draw attention to the problems we face in our society, our personal lives, and our businesses. The speaker or presenter creates a desire for change in their listeners. It is a highly emotional technique that tries to motivate the audience to support the narrative.
5) In Medias Res
In medias res, people start their narrative in the heat of the action, even before explaining how they got there. In this technique, the storyteller drops their audience into the most exciting part of the story, where the audience will be gripped from the beginning and stay engaged to find out what happens next.
The point to note here is that do not give away too much action or information straight away. Instead, try to hint at something that needs more explanation. Just give your audience enough information to keep them hooked to the story. Another important thing is that “in medias res” works only for shorter presentations or stories; if you drag it longer than expected, the audience will get agitated and lose interest.
6) Converging Ideas
Converging ideas is a storytelling technique that shows the audience how different strands of consideration come together to form an idea. The technique can be used to show the conception of a movement, or it can explain how a single idea was the realisation of several great minds working towards one goal.
Converging ideas is somewhat similar to the nested loops structure, but rather than crafting one story with complementary stories, it shows how several equally important stories came to a single conclusion.
7) False Start
The “false start” is a storytelling technique when a person begins to tell an evidently predictable story before abruptly disrupting it and starting it over again. In this process, the storyteller is trying to lure the audience into a false sense of security and then surprises them by turning the tables.
A false start is considered a quick attention hack that will disrupt the audience’s expectations and surprise them into paying closer attention to the storyteller’s message.
8) Petal Structure
The petal structure is a storytelling technique where the storyteller organises multiple speakers or stories around one central concept. It is a useful method if you have numerous unconnected stories that you want to tell which can relate to a single message. In this technique, you can tell your stories one by one before you get back to the centre point.
Final Thoughts
Storytelling is a wonderful art that does not happen only on-stage, but it can happen from your kitchen table conversations to some religious rituals. The possibilities are infinite. Though some storytelling situations demand informality, while others are highly formal. There are some storytelling situations that expect to follow certain themes, artistic approaches and attitudes. Above all, you need imagination and the courage to bring an idea/story to real life.
Furthermore, if you are looking for online storytelling classes for your little ones to become successful storytellers in the future, look no further and visit PiggyRide. The e-learning platform offers an extensive list of courses & extracurricular options to choose from for your kids.
