TALK WORD

Speakers sometimes “borrow” a narrative from an anthology of stories jokes and then strain to connect it with their topic. Narratives should never be used simply to amuse listeners. They must also help you make your point An irrelevant narrative distracts listeners. The audience can also be turned off by stories that foster negative stereotypes or that contain offensive language Finally, ask yourself whether the narrative will seem fresh and original. If listeners have already heard your story, they may decide you have nothing n to say.
Storytelling is an important folk art. Set off the story from the rest of your speech by pausing as you begin and end the story. Slow down! Tales are to be savored, and the pause is essential to the unfolding drama. Your language should be colorful and active, and you can use voice and dialect changes to signal listeners that a “character” is speaking. Create a sense of anticipation and suspense as you build to the punchline or conclusion. If your story evokes laughter, wait for it to subside before going on. Since storytelling is an intimate form of communication, reduce the distance between yourself and your listeners—either by actually moving toward them or by being less formal. Finally, you should practice telling your story to get the wording and timing just right.
Avoid stories that are funny at the expense of others. If you poke fun at anyone, let it be yourself. Speakers who tell amusing stories about themselves sometimes rise in the esteem of listeners. When this technique is effective. the stories that seem to put the speakers down are actually building them up.