TOPIC 6 : THE CRAFT OF STORYTELLING

Intonation
Intonation is about how we say things, rather than what
we say.
A variation of pitch while speaking.
Sends a message.
Communicate emotions, uncertainties, intentions to
continue talking, and signals let others know were
finished speaking.

Types of Intonation
I.

Rising Intonation
The pitch of the voice rises over
time [ ]
II. Falling Intonation
The pitch falls with time [ ]
III. Dipping Intonation
The intonation falls and then rises
[ ]
IV. Peaking Intonation
The intonation rises and then falls
[ ]

Importance of Intonation
Intonation in storytelling is important.
Because storytelling is not just
reading aloud.
The act of storytelling is always active
and inventive.
So a storyteller must be a little bit of
an actor and introduce all sort of
emotions present in the story.

Continue . . .
The use of intonation can help a
storyteller and improve storytelling in
many ways such as:
To express the emotions and feelings
of the characters in the story
To give better understanding to the
listener
To make the storytelling more
interesting to listen to
To stress the important parts (e.g.
Moral values)

Props
An object used on stage by actors to further the
plot or storyline of a theatrical production.
Props is short for properties, which are the
physical things used on stage in drama
productions, from telephones to chairs.

Props
Small props are referred to as hand props.
Special props: prop sacks, prop weapons, her
props and others

Do storytellers use props when

performing?
There are many who never use any kind
of a prop, whereas there are just as
many more who do use one, two, or a
variety of props when telling.
Its really up to the teller whether or not
and when or how he or she will make
use of props.

How and when to use props?

Only use a prop or props that enhance
the telling.
When choosing whether or not to make
use of a prop, consider whether or not
this prop will really add to the enjoyment
and telling of the story, or will it detract.
If you plan to use percussion instruments
to set a beat- either in the background or
for special emphasis- just use one.

How to tell stories and use props

effectively?
You can make use of props to introduce
the yourself as the storyteller. You may
adopt a storytelling symbol that identifies
with you in particular or carry a special
banner or sign announcing who you are.
When telling to young children, some
storytellers wear aprons with many
pockets and let the children take turns
picking an object from a pocket. The
object picked dictates what story will be
told next.

How to tell stories and use props

effectively?
Another teller has taught herself magic
and weaves the tricks into her tales. She
never has a problem finding a volunteer
from the audience to help her with the
trick.
Prepare your props well in advance and
practice using them before you perform.

Prepare, Practice and Perform

First, if you feel you would like to make
use of props, choose those that have a
relationship to the story.
Once you have picked a prop or props,
practice, practice, practice telling the
story along with using the prop.

Have Fun With Your Props

If you enjoy using props, start a small
collection.
You may find some interesting props in
places like in toy stores, music stores or
second hand clothes shops.
During your storytelling session, let your
audience see that you are having fun
with the props that you use.

Have Fun With Your Props

Prepare props that are long lasting and
indestructible so that you can reuse
them.
Consider providing a small token prop
for your audience to take home this will
remind them of the story they heard you
tell.

THANK YOU ! !