Storytelling

From SPARK

The storyteller influences both the way a message is transmitted and how it is received. When communicating the Scriptures, these factors will have an impact on how the message is understood by the receiver.

For good communication, the speaker needs an awareness of worldviews, barriers, filters, etc., of both the speaker and receiver. The speaker also needs awareness of what the receiver thinks about the media used. Communication is greatly helped by getting valid feedback to see what was actually communicated.

• Storytelling is the most effective type of monologue or dialogue for educational purposes.
• Tell Bible stories in the way heritage tales and sacred beliefs are told^[1].
• It is easier for people to remember a story that is told than a story that is read to them.
• Stories should follow the local rules and devices for oral communication instead of following rules for written text.

• Allow time for audience participation and response if that is the communication style of the people group.

• People in oral cultures initially respond best to the warmth of the communicator and less to logical points. They may need time to talk as a group to process information. They are less likely to process it by themselves at home.

• The ability to speak well and the quality of the sound is very important in oral cultures. Choice of words, volume, pace, and tone of voice may be more important to people than the actual words spoken.

• Consider using ethnic mechanisms to help people remember the content. Repetition and active involvement is especially important in most oral communication that does not have a copy or summary of it in written form.

• Most oral cultures prefer dialogue and interaction instead of monologue.
• Short monologues are good for giving information, but long speeches should be avoided.
• Length is not important in storytelling unless there is only a short time allotted for the story.