How to Spin a Good Story

Award-winning storyteller Kevin Cordi first came to appreciate the power of tales when he worked as a teenage door-to-door salesman. Today, Cordi is the first full-time high school storytelling teacher in the country and a strong believer in the therapeutic value of spinning yarns. "It helps people think through and deal with difficult situations," Cordi says.

Stories also entertain, educate, and instill moral values—sometimes all at once. We can all tell narratives, whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the living room, but it takes practice to become a fine raconteur. —Brian Andrew

Tale-telling Tips

• Know Your Audience. It doesn't matter how many stories you know. What's important is selecting the right one for your crowd. Choose one that best reflects their mood.
• Be Yourself. Every story has a little bit of you in it, because you chose it. Tell one that you really enjoy and are itching to share.
• Take Risks. Storytelling is an organic art. Don't be afraid to play with the style and delivery of your story, even in the middle of a performance. Do you want it comic or reflective? Linear or Tarantino-style?
• Listen. It's the only way to connect with your audience, learn new stories, and improve your skills.
• Breathe. Work on your own breathing, posture, and gestures. A lot of storytellers move too quickly because they're nervous. Make every move deliberate.
• Don't Practice by Yourself. Professional storytellers improve delivery by rehearsing in front of many different people.