Celebrating 100: Top 10 Storytelling Posts Over the Years

Reaching 100--whether as an age or the action of doing something that many times--is an accomplishment.

You are reading my 100th post on "Voice--A Storyteller's Lifestyle".

This blog started on August 17, 2006 with roughly two posts a month since that time. The articles here have ranged from storytelling techniques, tips, opinions, insights, and interviews.

Out of these 100 posts, the top 10 were determined by the number of times viewed or based on personal preference.

So drum roll please...

Top 10 Storytelling Posts:

10. Microphone Manners: Loud & Clear Ways for Pros (1/15/08)

As the microphone rests on the stand, waiting for you to grab it, confidence swells because you know the show will be successful.

9. Today's Bards & Seanachies: Irish Wisdom in Storytelling Techniques (3/15/09)

Having the "gift of gab" by kissing the Blarney stone is not enough to be a storyteller.

8. Storytelling Games: Never too old to Play (10/1/07)

Adults seem to shy away from playing storytelling games to improve their skills as storytellers. (Plus game examples)

7. Grant Writing for Storytellers: Art of Success (6/15/07)

You have a fantastic project in mind and everything is coming together . . .except for the funding.

6. Mythical Storytelling Network: Dreams of Reality (8/15/08)

Our dream ideas as storytellers to further the art in the minds of the general public are often hindered by our working within the boundaries--whether drawn by us or others. (Reflections from 2008 National Storytelling Conference Brain Trust Session led by David Novak)

5. Losing Your Voice & Finding it for Showtime (11/1/07)

Once I was told that my voice would be confiscated. ( (tips to care for throat)

4. Stage Fever: How to Make a Portable Backdrop (12/15/06)

The stage beckons many of us storytellers and often we wish we could always count on having a stage.

3. Story & Poetry Slams: 5-Step Evolution of Art (11/16/06)

Storytelling and poetry have existed for centuries and now these art forms have evolved into something more intense and lively.

2. That Fairy Tale called Childhood, Mr. Glodowski, and Lifelong Learning (10/15/10)

When our eyes glaze over and a goofy grin appears on our face, we might have entered that fairy tale called childhood.

1. 5 Ways How Adopting a Story is like Adopting a Child (1/15/10)

My husband and I have always wanted children. (adoption process of a story)

You may know how the #1 post got its position. That is personal preference as my husband and I are going through the adoption process. You can see our adoption profile here or see my "Year of the Adopted Family" storytelling project here.

What has been your favorite storytelling post?

Or, if this is your first time here, what drew you to this blog?

Your comments, as always, are welcomed.

Who knows? Maybe THIS post is your favorite.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Family Famine Series Site: http://www.familyfamine.com/

Year of the Adopted Family Project: http://www.yearofthefamily.com
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

"Eat, Pray, Love"--A Teller who Traveled to Conference

Thanks to Karen Rae Kraut, we have this picture (left to right): Rachel Hedman, Joel ben Izzy, and Willa Brigham. This was after we sung and danced "We love our hats!" at the 2010 National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles. Consider it a jazzy thankful prayer.

Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" has had a resurgence of popularity with the movie hitting theaters.

Little did she know that those three words could also apply to anyone attending a storytelling conference. . .or any kind of conference.

I have had the privilege to attend six National Storytelling Conferences: 2004--Bellingham, WA; 2005--Oklahoma, OK; 2006--Pittsburgh, PA; 2007--St. Louis, MO; 2008--Gatlinburg, TN; 2010--Los Angeles, CA.

Here are some wisdom gained:

Eat

Whether the aroma of food or the word "free" in front of "lunch", people are drawn to meals. A storytelling conference revolves around food.

Focus groups. . .and eating.

Membership meetings. . .and eating.

Celebrations. . .and eating.

With so much food to be had, sometimes came the thought, "Boy, do I wish I would have asked the hotel if they had a small refrigerator!"

I smiled when the National Storytelling Network membership meeting merged with a free lunch for the Los Angeles Conference. More people seemed to linger and listen than at other conferences. As we relished in the one-minute stories of why people came to the art, the entertainment brought a satisfaction to our stomachs.

Eating does not consist only of that physical sustenance that calms the grumbling stomach.

There is plenty to feast upon while at a conference. There are workshops, intensives, concerts, fringes, keynotes, story swaps. . .and the list could go on. A conference attendee may be tempted to "taste it all".

I used to think I had to go to everything. Then, with conflicting sessions, decisions had to be made. I could rush everywhere and go crazy. Or, I could absorb whatever opportunity presented itself in the moment. Giving attention to one person in the hallway may be better than being counted among the hundreds.

As can be the case in eating too much, there is the risk to spew forth when too much is in the belly.

Allow time to digest and savor every flavor.

Pray

Singing naturally comes from my mouth. If I do not sing, then a hum is sure to pass my lips. All is like a prayer no matter the tempo or energy.

Some conferences have had talented musicians like Larry Brown, Joseph Sobol, or Willy Claflin to strum the guitar and inspire the people in group singing. For the Los Angeles Conference, I watched delightedly as my friend, Holly Robison, was asked to join Joseph and Willy on stage. She swayed with the music and added an angelic voice to the mix. Her wardrobe had a modern hippie look with her yellow loose slacks and long yellow scarf. Since the song was a parody of the classic "Get Together" by the Youngbloods on the changes for the National Storytelling Network, everything established the perfect mood.

Afterward I told Joseph, "You see why I love working with her?"

Holly and I sometimes do tandem telling/singing for the Family Famine Series. Electric guitarist Joshua Payne joined us for the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" fringe while at the Conference.

On Sunday morning of the same conference, Victoria Burnett slipped on some white gloves and gave us a "tour" of the Black Baptist Church (B.B.C.) with music that could move any soul. With swaying and call-and-response, the hotel ballroom transformed into a spiritual place full of fervor.

Love

Even as a new conference attender, you could feel the urge to embrace when a Facebook friend or social network buddy becomes flesh for the first time.

Holly Robison, as one of these new attenders, said, "I've been telling people how generous and loving the storytelling community is. . .then at the conference, I saw that as I talked with people, they were genuinely interested in what I had to say."

If you are not the kind who gives--or receives--hugs, then you may at least give handshakes. The next step could be to place your hand on someone's shoulder.

I lost track of the number of hugs I gave or received during the Los Angeles Conference or any of the conferences. Many people relate conferences as family reunions, and who fails to hug at a reunion?

Laughter and tears are shared along with the hugs. As my husband and I are in the middle of the adoption process, several peopled asked for updates. Sometimes I did not know where to start except that "On January 20, 2010 we became 'visible'. Birth parents can find us online now." A smile spread across my face as I told people, "I am a vocal person. When there is something to report, you will know!"

So. . .Eat. . .Pray. . .Love!

You find it all no matter which storytelling gathering you attend.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Family Famine Series Site: http://www.familyfamine.com/

Year of the Family Book: http://www.yearofthefamily.com
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Are You Hunter or Gatherer? Common Ways Storytellers "Live Off" the Art

Ever since learning about the Ice Age during elementary school years, I delighted in creating dioramas to imagine how people survived once the snow melted.

It was as if we had our mini versions of the museum’s mannequins dressed in buckskin clothes or furs while building a fire, sharpening a spear, or gathering seeds to plant for later.

No matter what culture or country, there has been a history of hunters and gatherers. One way of gaining nutrients is not better than another way. They simply are different.

Naturally, these two ways reflect how storytellers “live off” the art.

Are you a hunter? Are you a gatherer? Are you a mix of both?

Before reading the following statements, consider your experience in the art. Are you new? Are you a veteran of over one or more decades in the art? Ponder on how this experience may affect your answers.

Our hunter and gatherer tendencies may change depending on our stage in the art.

Part 1—

On a piece of paper, write the label “Hunter” and then list numbers 1-7 per line. For each of the seven statements, choose any of the following: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree.

1. I enjoy the simplicity of working alone and dwelling in my thoughts.

2. I am frustrated by the conflicting artistic advice from friends and colleagues.

3. I am uncomfortable when a certain number of professional storytellers live in my area.

4. The more I am around other storytellers and artists, then the more distracted I am in regards to my own goals in the art.

5. Clubs, guilds, and organizations add little or no value to what I already know about the art.

6. If I was the only professional storyteller alive, I would still feel motivated to progress in my art.

7. Organizations come and go, but the art is forever.

Now give the following point value for any answers for the above seven statements.

Add your points together.

Total possible = 35 points.

If you have 25-35 points, then you have strong Hunter tendencies.

As Hunter:

You seek out and hunt opportunities and independence. You get your “meat” or performances by the direct actions you take rather than relying on other people or organizations to help make those connections. You improve in the art most when alone and in a calm environment. Although you may interact with other artists, it is more to forward your goals than to progress the vision or mission of others.

Part 2—

On a piece of paper, write the label “Gatherer” and then list numbers 1-7 per line. For each of the seven statements, choose any of the following: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree.

1. I am quick to join one or more social networking sites involving storytelling. (Examples: Professional Storyteller social networking site, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

2. I attend storytelling guilds, gatherings, or other social events on a regular basis.

3. I am willing to rearrange my schedule to attend storytelling social events.

4. I refer often to what I have learned at storytelling conferences or gatherings while talking with others.

5. I am anxious to list or share how the art has been strong in the area to fellow artists, neighbors, or acquaintances.

6. My storytelling activity would decrease if certain storytelling groups or events dissolved.

7. A brainstorm session, whether with strangers or colleagues, would be more valuable than a solo brainstorm session.

Now give the following point value for any answers for the above seven statements.

Add your points together.

Total possible = 35 points.

If you have 25-35 points, then you have strong Gatherer tendencies.

As Gatherer:

You gather information and people connections. You harvest so much sustenance that sometimes the “food” goes into storage until you are ready to intake the message(s) or to build upon the relationship(s) formed. You feel an added energy whenever you are around people—whether colleagues or strangers. You improve in the art most when others are there for you as sounding boards, mentors, or as friends. Although you relish in interacting with others, you sometimes feel an overload. The knowledge you meant to apply might be forgotten and the people you meant to keep in contact are lost.

What If You Are Hunter And Gatherer?—

Take the strengths of the Hunter and the Gatherer and create a balance that will keep you fed through any of the “starving artist” times as well as through the plentiful seasons. Be willing to adapt to use the skills that would be most useful during the current economic times.

There are moments when you need to go off into the “forest” to realize and achieve dreams. Though, whenever going alone, you may want to tell one or more people of your intentions so you have a caring support system in case you get lost.

Even the mighty hunter is not meant to be alone. And the gatherer could always use those quiet moments to put everything into perspective.

So go forth and enjoy your catch or harvest! You deserve it.

In case you were curious, I had 21 points as Hunter and 31 points as Gatherer. Feel free to share your results as a comment to this post.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Family Famine Series Site: http://www.familyfamine.com/

Year of the Family Book: http://www.yearofthefamily.com
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Global Story Sisterhood Relations: 3 Ways to Become Family

Storytellers exist in every city, country, and continent.

When we gather at festivals, conferences, or other events, we experience a kind of storytelling family reunion.

Then everyone goes home.

Nowadays we have the Internet to be updated by our fellow "brothers and sisters" in storytelling. . . .and sometimes that is where it ends.

Or could we do something more?

Storytelling organizations could create Story Sisters much like the Sister Cities or Town Twinning established through government or municipal levels. We could encourage growth and advocacy in the art.

How could such relations be forged?

• Involve Local People and Determine Purpose
• Discover Group with Similar Goals and Make Introductions
• Collaborate and Share Results

Involve Local People and Determine Purpose
A collaboration of any kind always starts with an individual. You. Someone has to envision the partnership.

Then you find another individual in your vicinity. Most likely this would be another storyteller.

Add another individual. And add another individual.

If you have a storytelling club or guild in the area, then it would make sense to involve them. A guild could be a sister to another guild.

Feel free to expand the outreach with other pro-story people. Consider businessmen, educators, librarians, retirees, and youth.

Think about groups such as rotary clubs, churches, hospitals, schools, local government, and anyone else who could be excited to be with storytellers.

When I used to be with the Brigham Young University Storytelling Club, we called other clubs that we collaborated with as "cousin clubs". Performing art groups made sense to join efforts such as Y Juggle, the juggling club on campus. We combined skills to create the program "Once Upon a Juggler". The first and last stories of the session merged storytelling with juggling. Then, we rotated from storyteller to juggler to storyteller throughout the night.

Local collaborations are plentiful.

Chat about the purpose of gathering. What is the desire to connect with other people, groups, or organizations outside the area?

Hopefully, you are thinking beyond monetary reasons. Perhaps there are services or expertise that could be exchanged. Maybe you could create a youth program to teach leadership through story-based methods. Do you need volunteers to run storytelling festivals or events?

Whatever it may be, have everyone in agreement before moving onto the next step.

Discover Group with Similar Goals and Make Introductions
If the group you wish to meet has a website, then read their mission statement or objectives to see if they match the ones that your local group agreed on.

The Internet makes this possible as well as an invention that has been around for a while: the telephone.

For international calls, consider using a service like Skype to save money.

There is something about hearing someone's voice that is more inviting than simply sending an email request.

Some people are fearful of contacting someone from another part of the country or the world, though one only needs to remember that these people could love stories as much as you. . .if not more.

Some national groups to consider for collaborations or guidance:

• National Storytelling Network
• International Storytelling Center
• Storytellers of Canada/Conteurs du Canada
• Society for Storytelling
• Federation for European Storytelling (FEST)
• Australian Storytelling Guild
• Storytelling Association (Singapore)
• Zamaleo ACT
  
• And the list could go on and on

Click here for another online listing of storytelling organizations.

Once the relationship is established, then have each group's leader send the other group's leader an official letter to ask to work together. Be sure to share a general overview of your group, especially if this is the first time to be in contact. You may want to add promotional items like pins, pens, or anything else as a friendship gift.

Collaborate and Share Results
Decide on a project or at least determine a tentative time-line of when certain results would take place.

Did you want to have a Multi-Art event?

Would you like an elementary school class to interview senior citizens for stories?

Do you want Rotary club members to contact their international chapters for a storytelling event with broadcast abilities?

The ideas are endless.

Though, let the world know about them.

Share the project updates through websites, blogs, Facebook groups, Twitter, or any other social media tools.

You may find that spreading the word intensifies support. You could expand the scope you have for the next project or collaboration.

You would experience these storytelling reunions and efforts time after time.

Story Sisters could last for generations.

Now that is a storytelling family reunion!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com/
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Generation Gap of Tellers: 3 Ways to Prove This Myth Wrong

By the way some storytellers sound, it seems that the 40+-year-American Storytelling Movement is coming to a close as more and more tellers are aging . . .and passing on.

At one time, I, too, had wondered about the generation gap.

Every time I attended a National Storytelling Conference, I was lucky to find 10 tellers within the 18-35-year-old range. Youth tellers, except for the Kids’ Koncert there, were practically nonexistent.

So we thought.

Then, after seeing the curious and excited looks of college students as I ran a booth on the art on their campus, I realized that the generation gap was only as looming as one made it to be.

Suddenly, I needed sunglasses to see the bright future.

Three Ways to Prove Generation Gap Myth Wrong:

• Use Different Names for the Art and the Artist



• Make Appearances on Campuses Beyond Performances



• Promote Generational Participate at Events

Use Different Names for the Art and the Artist

We are attached to the name “storyteller”. The name has a long and cherished history with people of all ethnicities, tongues, and climes.

Then something changed.

People have their lists of what de-valued the status of storytellers: television, video games, Internet, falling family values, drugs, gangs, etc. Whatever the reason or reasons, the name “storyteller” does not have the power it once had with youth and college-aged students.

Although the term “storyteller” could still be used as a label or profession, we need to add other words to our daily vocabulary within and without the storytelling community.

Otherwise, we run the risk of having certain images evoked when saying “storyteller” such as the picture of an old lady reading stories to preschoolers. Yes, we do have storytellers that have talents in “story-reading” as well as connecting with preschoolers, but our art offers even more variety than this pre-conceived idea.

So how can we increase other storytelling images when youth or college-aged students think of our art?

We connect with other narrative-based art forms and use some of their words to invite others to our art form. Some terms to consider: humorist, slam artist, spoken word artist, sit-down comedian, solo performance artist, etc.

For new festivals or events, we can experiment of naming it a “story festival” rather than a “storytelling” festival. For example, out in Hawaii there is the Talk Story Festival. Director Jeff Gere said that the phrase “talk story” was slang used often on the islands and thus it was adopted as the event’s name.

Make Appearances on Campuses Beyond Performances

Imagine the chance to introduce storytelling as an art to pursue with 3,500 or more people. . .in one place. That is easy to do when you connect with a campus.

Weber State University has an annual tradition of booths, prizes, and food also known as the Wildcat Block Party each Fall Semester. I cheered when given approval to have a booth to promote the Weber State University Storytelling Festival there.

Since there would be over 100 booths, I knew our booth had to stand out. We had to have a drawing with many storytelling-related prizes and candy. We also had the basic email list, festival business cards, and fliers.

After about five hours, I earned some sunburns—red battle scars—that told me that the day was victorious.

The results: 98 people entered the drawing, 56 signed the email list, 70 cards were taken, and 30 applications to audition for the festival were taken.

Yes, I do understand how the numbers work. Though 30 applications to audition were taken, perhaps five actually make the effort.

Yet, if five new college tellers were gained per Fall Semester over the course of 20 years, then that would be 100 new artists to storytelling.

Consider now that this was done for Fall and Winter Semesters at 50 universities, with one per state, what would your number be?

That would be 500.

The current membership for the National Storytelling Network is about 2,000 people.

Though, this idea of booths is not limited to college campuses. Although the main place to find storytellers are in elementary, middle, and high schools, there could be booths dedicated to the art during events where these students could be found.

We could play with numbers all day—and this is all hypothetical—but you can imagine that the generation gap of tellers does not have to exist.

Promote Generational Participation at Events

Most storytelling events unintentionally ignore youth and college-aged students by the tellers they invite. Every event is entitled to figure out how they go about choosing their tellers, however, if concerned about the generation gap of tellers, the next step is to invite them to tell.

As mentioned earlier, the booth promoting the Weber State University Storytelling Festival had applications so that college students could audition with 8-minute-or-less stories.

When students approached the booth, we called out, “Are you a storyteller, a story appreciator, or both?” Regardless of their answer, we could either guide them more about storytelling events happening and/or share opportunities of how they could be storytellers . . .and get paid.

This way, we start each session with two 3-minute story slots for youth, one 8-minute story slot for college students and adults, and finally about a 25-minute slot for the featured teller.

Returning to the numbers game, what if every storytelling festival reserved 3-5 slots for college students and youth?

Perhaps you will no longer believe in the generation gap of tellers, too.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com/
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

National Storytelling Network as Matchmaker

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match, Find me a find, Catch me a catch."

When Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava sang about Yente the Matchmaker on Fiddler on the Roof, perhaps we have sung such tunes on business and social levels as storytellers or storytelling organizations. The National Storytelling Network could be the Yente of our time.

Two different Brain Trust Sessions at the 2008 National Storytelling Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee alleged to the idea of the National Storytelling Network in this connecting role, though not much time was spent to look at the possibilities.

National Storytelling Network as Matchmaker could:
1. Introduce Storytellers to Storytellers/Performing Artists
2. Seek Suitable Sponsors for Storytellers
3. Connect Storytellers to Organizations
4. Encourage Organizations to Partner with Organizations
5. Uphold Storytelling as Desired Art to General Public

Sometimes fate needs an extra push for like-minded storytellers, sponsors, organizations and people to come together and edify each other's goals and visions for the art form.

Before discussing the ideas, meet my own matchmaker:
I met my husband, Casey, through Mandy. . .and because of the airport (see picture).

While sharing a Communications Law class at Brigham Young University, Mandy and I talked about our projects. . .as well as our plans on going home for Christmas. As my family lived in Wisconsin and her home was in Pennsylvania, we were surprised that the first part of our flights to fly home was the same!

"Great!" we shouted. "Let's ride to the airport together!"

We both said that hoping that the other person had a car. No such luck. So we made ourselves a deal--whoever found a ride to the airport first would let the other person know so we could travel to the Salt Lake City airport.

After about a week, I received a call from Mandy. "I found us a ride," she said.

The driver lived in the same apartment complex as Mandy on the opposite side of campus as me. I went to the place to meet for the ride.

One other guy needed to go to the airport. He sat in the back seat. Mandy had the "hots" for him and strategically placed herself in the back. The front passenger seat was open so that is where I sat. Of course, front people talk to front people and back people talk to back people.

I had a wonderful conversation with the driver.

I arrived at the airport, flew to Wisconsin, had a wonderful Christmas, and then returned to BYU. About a week into the new semester I received a phone call from Mandy. She asked if I remembered the driver.

"He called me," Mandy said. "And he wanted your phone number. So I was wondering if it was okay to give it out."

Apparently Mandy had played Matchmaker before and things didn't turn out so well.

I replied, "Sure!" and hung up the phone laughing and laughing. Well, I did get that call from the driver--Casey--and now we've been married since May 19, 2001.

By the way, when Casey and I became engaged and went to the Salt Lake City airport to fly to Lake Havasu in Arizona to celebrate with Casey's family, who should be at the airport waiting for her own plane but Mandy! The picture above is of that moment. That is how she learned her matchmaking was a success.

Now on to the ideas--

Introduce Storytellers to Storytellers/Performing Artists
There have been attempts to have a mentorship program. Sometimes names are gathered though the lists seem to disappear or at least are not as visible as expected. With all the technology tools available, we could transform these written lists and ideas into audio and video files that people could play to understand the hopes of potential mentors and those who wish to be mentored.

The written word only captures so much about an individual. Hearing or seeing how someone is like has greater chance for success. All of the audio/video files could be found on one website. When the mentorship is decided, then the matches could also be displayed online.

Even if someone is not looking for a mentor, there is always searching for a friend. When like-minded individuals find each other, then grand endeavors come to pass.

In the meantime, Eric Wolf's The Art of Storytelling with Children podcast introduces us to storytellers almost on a weekly basis.

Seek Suitable Sponsors for Storytellers
A professional storyteller wears many hats. Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis views the three main areas as artist, craftsman, and businessman. It is the business and marketing sides that many people avoid, though it is this same area that builds relationships with past, present, and future sponsors for performances.

Most of the marketing effort would still need to rest on the storyteller, though NSN could nurture opportunities.

When Finn Bille at one of the Brain Trust Sessions mentioned this idea, the facilitator David Novak asked if a type of switchboard operator would be needed to take the calls and direct them to where needed. Bille responded that he imagined a system with "excellent data easily available on the Internet and backed up by personal contact that could guide aspiring professionals or those semi-starting out."

The switchboard image may not be feasible at the moment due to NSN having two full-time staff members while such a venture would need many more people. Yet, Bille encouraged us to look at the practices of writers' guilds as queries are accepted and then passed on to appropriate publishers. In many ways, the publisher is equivalent to the sponsor/producer for the storyteller.

At one time it was proposed for event producers to come to the National Storytelling Conference as a way to observe tellers. Even the 2008 National Storytelling Conference had the Southeast State Showcases (eight states/concerts) scheduled throughout the event as well as the Regional Concert (one person from each of seven regions across the United States). Though there will not be a conference in 2009, there will be one in 2010 and every year after that time.

Perhaps, when these showcases are organized again, the slots could be given by lottery with entries being charged a certain amount to participate as is done for other performing artist showcases. Finally, there would need to be some kind of verbal, preferably written, agreements from various event producers to attend one or more of these showcases. An incentive for the producers could be for the first 25 to sign-up for registration to receive 50% off registration. Part of the application would need a place to list any event(s) or organization(s) they are representing in the name of scouting out tellers.

Usually the reason a storyteller makes it on the festival circuit is when seen with an audience with a sponsor being among that audience. These showcases could make it possible to have a Booking Conference aspect within the National Storytelling Conference.

Connect Storytellers to Organizations
Whether or not a storytelling guild or organization is affiliated with the National Storytelling Network, a database of these pro-storytelling groups would prove beneficial for NSN to share with others. Such a database may inspire more of these groups to be connected with NSN, particularly those ones that may not see storytelling as their main objective.

Every organization has a history to share with others. Turnover of board members and leaders--as terms begin and end--are not the only ones who would like to know past accomplishments, present feats, and future endeavors.

As I considered how to create the Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance ethnography, I called Eric Wolf on the possibility and the usefulness of recording interviews between former and current co-chairs on a conference call system similar to what Wolf uses for The Art of Storytelling with Children podcast. Wolf noted the increased quality of sound if the people could gather at a physical location. However, people have an easier time locating a telephone than in locating the funds to fly across the nation to an event.

Despite this difficulty, three events would be most likely for YES! co-chairs: National Storytelling Festival, National Storytelling Conference, and the National Youth Storytelling Showcase.

Once the best methods is determined, then the audio and/or video versions of the interviews could be made available online for any leaders, members, or general public who wish to know more about an organization.

Encourage Organizations to Partner with Organizations
Storytelling guilds and organizations at similar phases in growth or with overlapping goals need to know about each other and combine efforts. Individuals need individuals and organizations need organizations.

The National Storytelling Network could be the liaison between the organizations.

Rather than assuming we know what training, guidance, or help each organization would like, NSN volunteers could survey guilds and other storytelling organizations on their needs. The storyteller often needs to know the audience in order to tell the "right story at the right time" and so it stands for organizations.

With the surveys completed, the database could reveal to NSN what guilds and groups need to build relationships. A 20-person-sized guild in Montana could be introduced to a 20-person-sized guild in New Hampshire and so on. On an international scale, many cities have sister cities. Could not the same concept be applied? Perhaps the guilds would link each other's websites and let their members become aware of the "sister" friendship. Thus, the "Network" in the National Storytelling Network name would be fulfilled.

It would not be enough for NSN to make introductions and then leave the picture. NSN could follow-up on the friendships and see how often these guilds are communicating with each other.

Uphold Storytelling as Desired Art to General Public
The Oral Tradition Journal made their publications available online for free, which Tim Ereneta announced on his "Breaking the Eggs: Performance Storytelling in the 21st Century" blog. He challenged the Storytelling, Self, and Society Journal to do the same thing. He talked with the National Storytelling Network on the possibility to attempt such a feat with the Storytelling Magazine.

I support Ereneta's ideas though I would recommend that all issues except for the current year be made available, as these publications are membership benefits for the Storytelling in Higher Education and the National Storytelling Network. Most people renew membership once a year. Then we have a balance between availability and exclusivity.

Though why stop at the written way? As there are books on tape, the same concept could be used for any storytelling books and publications. These could be read and recorded by the authors, one specific person, or someone who has experience with voice-overs.

Matchmakers use the tools available to promote coupling. As from the ideas shared above, technology is the grandest and, interestingly, the least costly of any other choices.

However, time is needed for the technology to produce desired results. As with any enduring relationship, time is something the matchmaker cannot control.

Rather than simply sharing ideas, now is the call for those who want to see them transform into reality.

Who is willing to give the time to make these relationships work?

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

NationalStorytelling.Net vs. Professional Storyteller

With development of both NationalStorytelling.Net and the Professional Storyteller social networking site, some people are confused as to the purposes of each site. Others mistake that one site cancels out the other site.

Though some features overlap, the goals are different and can be embraced by all storytellers and story appreciators. Then compare to what you want to accomplish.

The following seem to be the main aims--

NationalStorytelling.Net:
1. Encourage suggestions to the National Storytelling Network (NSN) Board as well as open communication of Board proceedings
2. Integrate websites and projects for NSN Special Interest Groups (in process)
3. Share documents through Internet--rather than files only--to boost efficiency for any NSN committees, especially when leadership rotates
4. Brainstorm and experiment project ideas that could further storytelling, whether on stage or in applied settings, before pursuing in the real world

Professional Storyteller:
1. Network with storytellers and story appreciators from around the world
2. Develop relationships that could lead to gigs or inspiration of specific story programs
3. Promote events, projects, and individuals
4. Exchange opinions/experiences that range from the basics of being a professional storyteller to trends in the performing arts

For more details--

NationalStorytelling.Net:
Encourage suggestions
Though certain information could always be requested by the general public about financials and governance of NSN, there has not been as easy a way as presented through the website. Posting updates and information beyond the legal statutes allows people to peruse at their own pleasure without hoarding time from the limited NSN staff.

Integrate websites
All of the NSN Special Interest Groups (SIGs) have separate websites to promote their goals. These groups are the following: Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance; Healing Story Alliance; Storytelling in Organizations; Storytelling in Higher Education; and Producers and Organizers.

While having these individual sites, it is possible for boards, committees, and membership to view documents and minutes that are not available to the general public. If a group so chose, there could be one to dozens of privacy levels.

Depending on the website features desired, the domain names could link with the NationalStorytelling.Net site so to avoid web hosting fees. Since editing information would be possible through a word processing format, knowing html code would not be a requirement. More people may be more willing to volunteer for webmaster positions as most people are comfortable with word processing systems.

Share Documents
If you lose a flashdrive or file with your information, then you have a small chance to retrieve it. Yet, there is a way to save documents online to avoid the file attachments sent by email, especially as email boxes receive several message in one day. By remembering one website address, you can fend off headaches.

Beyond organizational reasons, having files online provides a backup plan if anything were to happen to a member of the committee. Whether through elections, accidents, illnesses, or even death, the group could still move forward with projects. Nothing would have to be retyped or reinvented.

Brainstorm and Experiment
Ideas float inside us and sometimes we share them with others. NationalStorytelling.Net provides another way to receive feedback. I posted a couple of what I call "Random Rachel" ideas to check how far-off the ideas may seem to my colleagues such as for NSN to develop an international storytelling library/museum.

Most of these brainstorm activities happen within the forum section. Whether or not someone is a NSN member, all are welcome to take part in this feature. Follow the instructions to join found at http://forum.nationalstorytelling.net. When a profile is created, then a picture and links could also be posted.

Professional Storyteller:
Network
Before the Internet, it may have been days before a storyteller was in contact with another storyteller. Some storytelling guilds include huge regions so that even meeting on a monthly basis can be difficult. With Professional Storyteller, people can celebrate with fellow artists globally every day if desired.

Develop Relationships
The best way to build relationships is in-person, though making them online works, too. When a profile is created, you are encouraged to have a photo id so that this image shows anytime you leave a comment on Professional Storyteller. If someone attends a major event such as the National Storytelling Conference or the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, perhaps this makes it possible to recognize others and strengthen friendships.

In time, the relationships could lead to the sharing of contacts or story program ideas. Invitations to performing at events is always easier when you are more of an acquaintance or friend versus being a stranger.

Promote
The profile page itself has many ways to spread the word through uploading pictures, audio, video and blogs. Beyond this area, the main page has a tab to submit events. The founder of Professional Storyteller, Dianne de Las Casas, has encouraged to post events "that other storytellers would be interested in attending (no personal gigs or tours) such as festivals, conferences, and professional development workshops".

Exchange opinions/experiences
From ideal situations to mistakes and blunders, letting our fellow storytellers know about these things can lead to more progress and respectability for the art.

Some people enjoy specific areas of storytelling and have created groups within Professional Storyteller to reflect these interests. Some of these groups represent a NSN Special Interest Group like the "Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance" or other groups focus on basic business and marketing practices such as "Story Biz" or "College Big Cats: Tracking and Capturing Gigs".

Upon reviewing the groups, you could always create one of your own. Twenty-two groups and growing exist for the 370+ members on Professional Storyteller.

More possibilities are still to be discovered for NationalStorytelling.Net and for Professional Storyteller.

Thanks to M.L. Barron, one of the NSN Board Members, here are links to understand set-up of the NationalStorytelling.Net through Google Applications--
1. "Welcome to Google Apps" page gives an overview of the different services within Google Apps and links to training videos, etc:
http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/users/user_features.html

2. "Google Apps Help Center" page gives links to different FAQ's about using Google Apps, here: http://google.com/support/a/users/?hl=en

3. "Google Apps Case Studies" page gives short videos and links to specific Google Apps users, sorted by type (small business, education, organization,family, affinity). Here you can see how dozens of different organizations have used Google Apps to create their online, organizational infrastructure: http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/admins/customers.html

4. "Overview video" page explains what Google Apps is and how organizations can use it: https://services.google.com/apps/site/overview/index.html

For understanding set-up of Professional Storyteller through Ning, here are two helpful links--
1. "Ning Create Your Personal Social Network (NewTech Meetup)"

2. "Ning Network Creators" page allows you to ask questions on what is possible: http://networkcreators.ning.com/

Enjoy NationalStorytelling.Net and Professional Storyteller. There is plenty to do regardless of your personal goals.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com
http://www.yesalliance.com

I'm on "Professional Storyteller" site--Now What???

Thanks to Jason Alba, author of “I’m on LinkedIn—Now What???” and co-author of “I’m on Facebook—Now What???”, for giving permission to adapt his marketing principles to the “Professional Storyteller” site. Picture was taken at Utah First Fridays event on March 7, 2008.

You learned about the social networking site “Professional Storyteller” and signed up, especially because it was free. Or someone—like me—urged you to check it out. If you simply treated the site like a directory listing, then I invite you to discover the profitable level of proactive marketing.

Before arriving on “Professional Storyteller”, perhaps you explored sites from MySpace to Facebook to LinkedIn. You connected with these places only to wonder why. You are not alone. Millions of people create a profile on these popular places and let them gather cyber dust. “Professional Storyteller” will never reach millions of people in members though will most likely reach in the hundreds or thousands instead. You have the choice and the opportunity to challenge the mainstream sign-up attitudes.

Jason Alba, author and CEO of JibberJobber.com, mentioned that none of these networking sites replace each other as they focus on different demographic groups that overlap to one’s advantage. For anywhere online you can be found such as a directories, social networking sites, websites, blogs, etc., then be sure to have a link to drive traffic to each one so you create an online circle.

He considered a social networking site (SNS) as “a place to find and be found”. As a storyteller, it is nice to “be found” and so the “Professional Storyteller” site may make that goal easier to accomplish.

Benefit more from “Professional Storyteller” and social networking sites:

1. Create a compelling summary/biography

2. Make and welcome “friends”

3. Read other bios of members of the site and/or go to their websites

4. Submit questions and/or answers at least once a week

5. Share audio and video samples and invite feedback from “friends”

6. Announce your storytelling events

7. Recommend other people

Create a compelling summary/biography
Some people may post two words to describe themselves while others write several paragraphs in the “About Me” section. Somewhere within your script, Alba urged that the writing be compelling, searchable and readable.

To judge the compelling factor, you could turn to friends and family and even strangers to see if they are inspired to read beyond the first word.

Regardless of how exciting you write the script, some people are scanners so that keywords grab their interest. Be aware of the terms and phrases that someone wanting to hire you would type into an Internet search. Every industry has its lingo so Alba encouraged using “whatever language someone would search for you”.

Being readable involves grammar, spelling and flow of the piece. Your biography reflects how you see yourself as a professional.

Part of the “About Me” section is the photo ID. Upload a picture that reflects your storytelling style rather than risking your reputation.

Make and welcome “friends”
There will always be the types of people who welcome anyone new to the site and then requests to be your friend. You do not have to wait for people to write comments on your page to network.

An online “friend” is either someone you know or someone you would like to know. As storyteller Tim Ereneta shared on the “Professional Storyteller” forum, this is not a person you need to help in the middle of the night or recognize face with name while at a storytelling event.

If you were to draw a line with the left side labeled “known and trusted friends only” and with the right side labeled “anyone who breathes”, Alba revealed that most people probably would mark around the middle of the line for their networking comfort level. He stated the site LinkedIn had special lingo for an extreme people connector with the acronym LION (Linked In Open Networker).

I value the thoughts and ideas of people from various backgrounds and so I tend to be more of a LION. Most of the people I know are storytellers, yet I love to meet people from other industries and see how we could build win-win relationships.

Rather than wait for people to find the site and then extend friendship, I delight in letting other people I already know about the place. All social networking sites have some sort of tab or button to click for automatic invites to be sent. Mass invites are possible by listing one email after another.

Alba warned that the lowest response comes from using the automatic invite option built into the site. The stronger way is to talk to the intended person by phone or at an event and say something like, “By the way, have your heard about this site. . .I will email a link to you.”

Sometimes I have asked people on the phone, “Are you by a computer? Do you have Internet access? Here is how you get there.” I guide the person through the sign-up process.

Read other bios of members of the site and/or go to their websites
I stall in requesting to be an online friend until I write at least one comment on their page. As I read their “About Me” section, I search for what we may have in common. The nice part about “Professional Storyteller” is that everyone already loves stories.

If I come upon a biography that is a couple words long or too general for me to make a specific response, then their website reveals more of the person’s character. Of course, someone may have a fascinating script so that I must check out the person’s site anyway.

If you did go to their website, then mention what you found interesting on it. Most likely that person will then be curious about you and drive more traffic to your website, blog or any other links under your “About Me” section.

Submit questions and/or answers at least once a week
You need to remind people that you exist.

Posting a response takes as little as two minutes, yet the time spent could be enough to build your reputation as an expert. Even questions could give people that impression.

Create a title or short description of your question/response that would intrigue people to click on it. Alba advised to “phrase the question or post so it doesn’t seem like spam”.

You do not have to write an article-long response. One sentence or a couple paragraphs would suffice. If you post through the blog option found on your page, then under the section “Professional Storyteller Blog” on the main page you will find the 20 most recent titles from members. Simultaneously, your post would be one of eight “Latest Activity” on the main page. As people respond to the blog or make a comment on your page, then your photo ID would show as one of eight on the main page. This could be enough to inspire new traffic to your page.

Share audio and video samples and invite feedback from “friends”
Storytelling is the kind of art that is best expressed in the live format. We may not be able to project hologram performances, yet the Internet still provides audio and visual tools to aid the teller.

The left side of your page has “Add Music” to upload stories. As for video, there is a tab on every page on “Professional Storyteller” so that you can add anything of that nature. If you already have things on YouTube, then you could add another place to show them.

Once your audio and video are on display, let others know and invite your online “friends” to give feedback.

Announce your storytelling events
People on the site will be from all over the world. At this point, most are from the United States.

If you give enough notice, people may fit your event in their schedule. If a person has difficulty attending due to distance or timing, then seeing your types of venues could lead to referrals or hiring opportunities.

Recommend other people
Upon hearing wonderful performances or workshops, feel free to let these people know and everyone else on “Professional Storyteller” by publicly saying so on their profile page/wall. Share more than, “You were wonderful”. Alba recommended sharing specifics.

Be sincere in your comments and you may receive recommendations and referrals from others. When you give first, then people are more likely to give to you.

So you can treat “Professional Storyteller” as a directory service or you could make it into something more.

For the “Professional Storyteller” site to truly be powerful, we need to spread the word. After Alba’s presentation, I mentioned that the site had 118 members. He thought that our membership needed to be at least ten times as big to grab attention from art forms and groups outside the traditional storytelling community.

I invite you to make this dream a reality.

For many more ideas, turn to the books by Jason Alba.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com
http://www.yesalliance.com

Storyteller's Social Networking: Top Three Sites

The Internet has a way of rolling out the red carpet for professional storytellers to network and make the right connections with colleagues or potential sponsors for gigs.

The number of free social networking sites can be overwhelming, though there are three that support storytellers the best:

1. Professional Storyteller through Ning



2. LinkedIn



3. Facebook

Professional Storyteller through Ning
This site was created on January 24, 2008 and already displays much potential in its activity and membership. Dianne de Las Casas, known as a marketing guru in the storytelling world, said that this network “is for professional storytellers, people who make their living in the field of professional storytelling—performance storytellers, workshop leaders, teaching artists, recording artists, and authors.” Of course, if your goal is to become one of these kinds of people, then your participation is welcome.

Once you sign up and create a password, you have a page for your profile. You can give a link to your website as well as write some paragraphs about your background much like online directories found through some storytelling guilds or art councils. Your picture can be uploaded so viewers can put a face to a name.

Under the forum option, you are able to get an almost “Dear Abby” advice column feel from fellow storytellers. If you want to find stories for a certain holiday and are unsure where to look, you can post your request on the forum. If you want to share marketing ideas that work for performing artists, then you can ask for guidance. Anything you want to ask relating to the art, you are invited to share.

Other benefits include downloading video or audio samples of your stories, sharing pictures in a slideshow format for your colleagues and potential sponsors to see, and keeping in touch with tellers around the world.

LinkedIn
Beyond connecting with professional storytellers, this site allows you to reach 150 plus industries, as it promotes “your professional relationships are key to your professional success”.

This is a chance for you to “be found” by potential sponsors. Over 17 million professionals already use this site so can you imagine how many would love to meet a professional storyteller?

If you are a storyteller who wants to build your connections in the education field, then you could meet principals, teachers, professors and more through LinkedIn. Performing for company celebrations could be a more common venue for you.

When signing up, you will be encouraged to invite others to join the site as your “connections”. These should be people you know well and could recommend to others if asked about them. Being part of LinkedIn already has the impression that you will open your network to others so that others could help you.

Part of your profile page on LinkedIn includes a recommendation section in which you could praise peers or peers could compliment you for all Internet surfers to see. Testimonials sometimes are easier to ask from others when part of a social network.

As your connections/friends invite others to LinkedIn, then you are able to view whoever your friends know. If you would like to be introduced to someone your friend knows, then you can send an email request. Suddenly a stranger can become an acquaintance and, eventually, could transform into a friend. The likelihood of a storyteller being hired by an acquaintance or a friend is much higher than being hired by a stranger.

You will find more success with this social networking tool if you are willing to share your contacts before you ask to be introduced to others.

Facebook
Started up by college students in a dorm room, this social network has rocketed in popularity to over 20 million people. Many schools and colleges use it as a way to have an online yearbook since pictures and videos could be posted. As a storyteller, you could use these same features to promote your art. As in the other networking sites of Professional Storyteller and LinkedIn, you invite others to be your friends.

I enjoy the “Events” part of Facebook where I can announce my storytelling concerts and workshops. I can send specific online invitations to these events to my friends on Facebook (with request of RSVPs) or even to the whole Facebook network.

Wherever you live, you can choose a network so that people nearby could see your storytelling events whether a “friend” or not. For example, I am part of the Ogden, Utah network. Any other person who chose the Ogden, Utah network could click on “Events” and see my listings.

If you ever wanted a type of fan club for your storytelling, this is the perfect venue to build one. After a performance for an 18-30-year-old group, you can announce that you have a Facebook account and that you would like to keep in touch if they sign up on your email list.

Several applications are available to download to make your Facebook page a fun place to visit from virtual aquariums to digital growing plants to activities that promote storytelling. My Facebook page has the application “StoryLine”, which allows me to write a couple sentences to kick off a story while another person continues the same story with a few more sentences. This group storytelling experience could go on forever. Meanwhile, you may develop some great story material for performances.

Finally, you can join other groups that spark your interest. I have chosen to join groups connected to storytelling like the following:

Storytellers in the Facebook Universe

The Society for Storytelling

World Storytelling Day

New Voices Storytelling

Storytelling for Children

Fan Club for the Art of Storytelling with Children Podcast

So whether you join one or more social networking sites, the advancement of your art is inevitable. By connecting to one person you connect to the world.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com/
http://www.yesalliance.com/