The Alphabet of Good-Storytelling
By
Mrs. H. Lyle Campbell
Reprinted from Story Art, May-June,
1939
From
the Bible. - "Let your speech be always of grace, seasoned with salt."
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A. Always speak clearly.
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B. Be sure that your story is in harmony
with the spirit of the occasion and the mood of the audience.
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C. Constantly enlarge your repertoire.
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D. Develop your powers of concentration.
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E. Eliminate exaggerations, pet words,
unnecessary details.
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F. Faithfully work to improve your
diction.
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G. Give some attention to the development
of good
memory habits.
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H. Have faith in your
power to excel.
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I. Improve your vocabulary.
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J. Judge the work of
others as you wish yours to be judged.
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K. Keep your English
in constant repair.
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L. Let the spirit of sympathetic
understanding determine your interpretation and your characterization.
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M. Make helpfulness the
keynote of your themes.
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N. Never exceed your Time Limit.
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O. Observation plus imagination
equal good storytelling.
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P. Practice Voice exercises
daily.
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Q. Quit not, because
of criticism or past mistakes.
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R. Read classics frequently to enrich
your background.
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S. Share your talents
generously.
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T. Tell stories of various types.
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U. Use only those gestures
which will reinforce the thought.
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V. Value the opportunity
to participate in Storytelling programs.
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W. Watch your pronunciation.
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X. Extend a cordial manner
no matter how disturbed you may feel.
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Y. Yet, do not be too serious.
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Z. Zealously welcome
each opportunity to tell a good story.