The Wide World of Storytelling by Kaden Sheffield

This July I took my first step into the wider world of storytelling by attending the National Storytelling Network Conference in San Francisco, California. Besides being a lot of fun, it widened my view of the genres and people who make up the storytelling community.

The keynote speakers spoke about storytelling by modelling the art, telling long, beautifully crafted stories that made strong points in subtle ways. One memorable speaker captivated a huge audience for almost an hour, weaving personal, historical and folk stories into a seamless fabric that wafted us all on a magic carpet of sound and image.

Then there were the many breakout sessions. Some were workshops in which we got to practice everything from creative movement to making sound effects. These were both helpful and hilarious. Others were examples of different kinds of storytelling, from traditional Chinese style to portrayals of historical figures telling their stories. The only disappointment was that it was impossible to attend all of them because they were concurrent.

There was also a large room filled with merchandise: books of stories, of storytelling techniques, of information on being a professional storyteller, as well as storytelling paraphernalia such as puppets, costumes, and props.

But the best thing at the conference was the people. Now, all conferences I’ve attended in any field tend to attract relatively friendly, outgoing people. But when you get several hundred storytellers together it’s non-stop meeting and conversing! Everyone is willing to tell you their story, and interested in hearing yours.

All in all, my three days at the NSN conference were terrific. It made me realize how widespread and varied the national storytelling community is, and how glad I am to be a part of it.

Comments

[Myranette Robinson]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I can tell it had a positive effect on you by the new stories you tell. We need to get a group of us going to the NSN soon.

[Mo Nance]

Wow! what a wonderful storytelling adventure. I too attended the National Institute in Tennessee after taking my first storytelling class with Dr. Cole. I was absolutely gaw gaw at what I heard and who I saw. I could not agree more that is was one of the most gratifying storytelling adventures ever. Every storyteller should go to one. By the by, I consider you one of those experienced storytellers.