We are all storytellers in some form, it’s an innate human action. Yet for anyone who wants to entertain people in large groups, weave it into their profession, or regale friends, some training can reap rich rewards over a relatively short time.
My storytelling developed through mentoring from master storytellers who gave astute exercises, feedback and guidance. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from renowned tellers such as David Campbell, Jan Blake, Seoras Macpherson, Janis Mackay and Shonaleigh.
Having told stories for over 15 years myself, I have a small cohort of active storytelling mentees, who have each made fantastic progress.
Story Mentoring Opportunities
I take on a small cohort of mentees in Spring, and again in Autumn and offer one to one sessions online, with periodic opportunities to tell in front of an audience.
Starting with a free 30 minute conversation, we find out of the mentoring might be a good fit, and I get a sense of the best path of story learning. Then offer cycles of three 1 hour+ sessions, which is enough to make some progress. I recommend at least 6 sessions to really develop as a storyteller, depending on experience.
Through this programme we will cover the key stages of storytelling competency:
- Discovering stories
- Learning stories
- Crafting stories
- Telling stories
- Finding storytelling opportunities
Although there are some common tools, tips and techniques, each storyteller is encouraged to find their own distinct voice and flavour, adding to the rich diversity of the world of oral storytelling.
Storytellers who have worked with me in the past have gone on to tell stories at work and during training placements, at home with family and friends, incorporate storytelling into theatre pieces and even tell stories during job interviews.
To book a free 30 minute consultation to see if this might we might be a good fit for each other, get in touch via: dougie@storyconnection.org
Dougie Mackay Storyteller 