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Children love stories, and you can be one of the beloved people in their lives who tell stories in a manner that will keep them coming back for more. It is a matter of using body language, and words, adding actions, and knowing when to pause to let the suspense build. Even when a child has heard the story before, you can keep them wondering if the story will change.
You can tell the same story time and time again, but if you use pauses, and change the wording slightly then your audience will wonder if this time the wolf will get the little pigs. A pause at the right moment can extend the anticipation and build the excitement. A word of warning though, too many pauses, at the same point in the story will lessen the overall impact, so choose your pauses with care.
The length of a pause should be about the time it takes to take two deep breaths. Any longer and you will lose the attention of your young listeners, any shorter and you will not have built the suspense to its ultimate tension point. Sitting or standing absolutely still during the pause this will heighten the suspense.
The tempo of your words should follow the story line. Faster as you build to exciting parts, and slower during more dramatic parts. If you are telling about skipping down a lane, then you will vary your speed to match the happiness of skipping with out a care. If your character is frightened then your words should be slow gradually getting faster as you reach the climax.
Your volume should be varied as well, again matching it to the story you are telling. Dropping down to almost a whisper and then soaring to fill the room. You don't want to be predictable; you want your speed, and volume to add to the excitement of the story.
Using props to help tell the story will aid your younger listeners in following the story line. Use a hand puppet or two, and maybe a pot, or a drum, a cape to throw over your puppet. Your props don't need to be elaborate, but they need to convey an important part of the story to your fans. What you use will depend upon the story you are telling. A multipurpose sock puppet could be the pigs or the wolf, or even the bears from the three bears. Your puppets don't even have to look much like the character, as long as you identify them as you tell the story. You don't need a puppet for each character, but one for each type is helpful.
You will need to determine ahead of time the main characteristics of your characters. Is the wolf a swaggering bully, or a shy young wolf that thinks he can? Are the pigs clumsy, or sure footed, are they truly scared, or just leading the wolf on? Your story will change depending upon the traits you imbue your characters with.
Make sure you know your story well. Even if you are using a book and reading to your audience, you will need to know the story so that you can add your pauses and dramatic embellishments at the right time.
Involve the children in the story, ask them questions, would you be scared, what will the pig do next? This keeps them interested, and involved. You are trying to build their imaginations so they don't see you sitting their what they see in their minds is the wolf chasing the three little pigs down the road.
Don't underestimate the power of bribery, and shock. As the wolf drops into the pot, reach in with the wolf puppet, and casually ask would anyone like some wolf stew? As you throw some hard candy, or popcorn to the children.
With a little bit of practice you can have your young relatives, and friends clamoring to have you tell them a story, even if they have heard the same story countless times before.
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