Storytelling is an age-old cultural and social activity that includes improvisation, theatrics, embellishment, and other artistic techniques. Stories are told for entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and even instilling moral values. The top 100 storytellers of the Agta were named for their ability to enchant their audiences. Read on to learn about how to become a storyteller. And keep reading for steps to becoming a professional storyteller.
Lessons learned from the Agta’s top 100 storytellers
An anthropologist in the Philippines has discovered that the Agta’s top storytellers were almost twice as important as the group’s greatest hunters. They influenced the group’s well-being and cultivated an ethos of equality and mutual respect among its members. Migliano’s students found that the Agta’s top storytellers are also the most egalitarian and generous.
To study storytelling in the Philippines, Migliano and his colleagues visited a nomadic hunter-gatherer population called the Agta. They asked members of the group to rate their fellow group members according to their abilities. They added storytelling as an afterthought, as they assumed physical dominance and food gathering would be the most desirable qualities. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
The top stories of the Agta are often about cooperation and equality, and are often interrelated. The stories often promote social norms through social acceptance. One story about a dispute between a male and a female sun illustrates how stories can broadcast these values. Religion can also enforce good behavior, but Migliano notes that high gods were an invention of the ancients and are not present in small communities.
Effects of storytelling
Research has found several benefits of storytelling for the listener. The effects of storytelling on storytellers’ moods and physical symptoms have been linked to various medical conditions. The research indicates that storytelling is a powerful tool for soothing children and is effective in reducing pain in both children and their caregivers. In fact, researchers in pediatric intensive care units have quantified the emotional and physiological benefits of storytelling. Here are some of the benefits of storytelling for storytellers.
The first study, by the University of California San Diego, found that storytelling reduces stigma related to hepatitis B. The authors hypothesized that this storytelling campaign may be an effective means to raise awareness and encourage testing and vaccination. Several storytelling campaigns have been evaluated to assess their effects on their viewers, but few have looked at the impact on storytellers’ personal experiences. To measure the effects of storytelling on storytellers, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with campaign participants.
Researchers have found that listening to stories enhances people’s imagination and vocabulary, and they also promote higher levels of communication. However, the mechanisms behind these effects are unclear. A recent study measured the blood flow in different areas of children’s brains during storytelling. Researchers found that listening to stories increased blood flow in prefrontal areas, but the amount of blood flow was not significantly higher during the listening process than during the listening process.
Steps to becoming a storyteller
To become a good storyteller, it is essential to listen to what other people have to say and observe how audience members react. You also need to use your body language to engage the audience. A great story requires total physical and mental commitment. The amount of physicality required will vary based on the content and style of the story. When developing a story, you should always ask yourself: “What is the story about?”
To become a good storyteller, you should connect with your inspiration and start at the beginning. You should also keep telling the story until it is over. For this, you can also conduct interviews over the phone or through online video. To get started, you can perform research on storytelling in your area and find a storyteller in your area. Write down the storytellers’ events on your calendar and contact them. Observe them and ask for tips on storytelling. As you continue, you’ll be able to develop your own style.
If you have some talent in storytelling, it is still possible to become a professional and start sharing your stories. But if you’re not naturally gifted, it’s best to learn from others. While you may be able to crack a joke now and then, you will probably not be as funny on stage. Even if you are a great storyteller, it may be hard to make a living unless you have regular gigs or periodical work. For this reason, it’s best to work part-time until you become established.
