Can they Imagine...?

by J.A. Gamache
3rd place Champion in 2001 at Toastmasters International's
World Championship of Public Speaking

Have you ever wondered why some speakers are such good storytellers? Here's one of their tricks: they begin a story by first describing the scene of the action and the characters' state of mind--in other words, they create an
image BEFORE describing the action.

Do you know someone who's an excellent storyteller?

A friend of mine has a talent for telling the minutest details of her life. Her stories are lively; she plays all the parts, changing her voice and her face. She makes us relive the scenes with her, and we find ourselves hanging on her every word. She has mastered the art of bringing images to life.

One day, when I was listening to her describe an adventure she had had the previous day, I noticed an important detail in the way she begins her stories.

In virtually each story, she begins by describing the setting and her state of mind. In other words, she sets the stage and the ambiance BEFORE describing the action.

I always knew it was better to conjure up images in a story to bring it to life, but I never understood that it was always better to BEGIN with an image.

Here's what I suggest. The next time you include a story in a speech, begin by conjuring up an image. Set the stage in our mind's eye. If you are one of the main characters, describe how you felt. Each time a new character enters the story, introduce the person by offering a physical description and an insight into his or her emotions.

Capture your audience's imagination by painting a scene of colour, characters and emotions when you begin your story. Once the ambiance is well established then you can begin to describe the action.

Try it. Begin your stories with an image, and watch how eager your audience will be for the outcome. They'll be hanging on your every word.

Happy writing!

©MMVIII J.A. Gamache http://www.jagamache.com
All rights reserved.

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