Storytelling Know-How for Teachers, Preachers and Speech-ifiers

Lively musical accompaniment and clips from silent-movie comedy classics set the tone for master storyteller Rick Sowash to share with a studio audience “the tools and the tricks and the gimmicks you'll need to be just as confident telling any story to anyone.” The engaging and amusing Sowash proceeds in orderly fashion through the business of preparing the space; using props and changing the set; tools of the trade (eyes, voice, facial expression, hands, and body movement); and gimmicks and tricks (sound effects, music, and audience “plants”), along with a variety of quick tips in this fast-paced practical demonstration that should take some of the fear out of facing an audience by giving viewers techniques for successfully relating a tale (and having fun in the process). DVD extras include “Using the Piano in Storytelling,” “Stories by Rick Sowash,” and a PDF study guide. A reassuring morale booster, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, I, P. (J. Reed)