Selection of Stories for Narration &. Rules and Steps for Story Telling

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

 

Selection of Stories for Narration (Oral and Written)

Selecting the right story is very important for effective narration. A well-chosen story keeps the audience interested and helps convey the message clearly. The following points explain how stories should be selected for oral and written narration.

1. Suitability to the Audience

The story should match the listeners’ or readers’ age, interests, and background.

Example:
A fairy tale is suitable for children, while a realistic story is suitable for adult readers.

2. Purpose of Narration

The story should be chosen based on the purpose: entertainment, moral teaching, or language learning.

Example:
A moral story is suitable for value education, while a humorous story is good for entertainment.

3. Length of the Story

The story should be of appropriate length for the given time or word limit.

Example:
A short story is suitable for oral narration in a five-minute classroom activity.

4. Clarity of Theme and Message

The story should have a clear theme or message that is easy to understand.

Example:
A story that highlights honesty is easier to narrate than one that lacks a clear message.

5. Simple Language and Style

The story’s language should be simple and suitable for the audience.

Example:
Stories with simple words and short sentences work better for beginners.

6. Scope for Expression (Oral Narration)

For oral storytelling, the story should allow voice modulation, gestures, and expressions.

Example:
Animal stories with different characters allow the narrator to use varied voices.

7. Descriptive Content (Written Narration)

For written narration, the story should have scope for description of characters and settings.

Example:
A story describing a village fair helps students practise descriptive writing.

8. Cultural and Social Relevance

The story should respect cultural values and be socially appropriate.

Example:
A local folktale helps learners connect better with their culture.

9. Emotional Appeal

A good story should evoke emotions such as joy, sympathy, or excitement.

Example:
A story about friendship or family bonds easily connects with listeners.

10. Engagement and Interest

The story should be interesting and capable of holding the reader’s attention until the end.

Example:
A suspenseful story with a twist keeps both listeners and readers engaged.

---

Rules and Steps for Telling a Story (Oral and Written Narration)

The rules and steps of storytelling help the narrator organise and present the story smoothly and confidently.

1. Select a Suitable Story

Choose a story that fits the audience and purpose.

Example:
Select a moral story for school students and a realistic story for older learners.

2. Read and Understand the Story Fully (Oral narration)

Understand the theme, characters, and message.

Example:
Before writing a story review, read the story carefully to understand its meaning.

3. Decide the Purpose of Narration

Know whether the story is for entertainment, learning, or moral teaching.

Example:
A fable is narrated mainly to teach a moral value.

4. Prepare an Outline or Script

Plan the main events, dialogues, and sequence.

Example:
Write short points for the beginning, middle, conflict, and ending before narrating.

5. Practise the Story (Oral narration)

Rehearsal improves confidence in oral narration.

Example:
Practising aloud helps improve pronunciation and expression.

6. Use Voice, Gestures, and Expressions (Oral narration)

These elements make oral narration interesting.

Example:
Nodding, smiling, or using hand movements helps express emotions.

7. Use Paragraphs and Punctuation (Written)

Proper structure improves readability in written stories.

Example:
Using paragraphs for different events helps readers follow the story easily.

8. Maintain Interest and Suspense

Keep the audience curious about what happens next.

Example:
Ending a paragraph with a problem builds suspense for readers.

9. Manage Time Effectively

The story should fit within the given time or word limit.

Example:
If only five minutes are given, focus on the main events and avoid unnecessary details.

10. Conclude with Confidence and Meaning

End the story clearly and confidently.

Example:
Concluding with a lesson or hopeful message leaves a lasting impression.

 

Below is an example of steps for telling a story, using the story ‘The Three Little Cats.’

In the story The Three Little Cats, three cats build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks to protect themselves from the wolf. Since the audience is young children, we can use simple words and fun voices to keep them interested. We can start with something like, “Do you know what happens when three clever little cats build their own homes?” to grab their attention. While telling the story, we can act out the cats and the wolf using different voices and gestures. We can also ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” to engage the listeners. We can show how the cats feel scared and then happy when they are safe. We can use easy words, like “The wolf huffed and puffed,” and focus on the key parts of the story to keep it concise. At the end, we can say something like, “The cats learned that hard work and sticking together can keep even the biggest trouble away,” to give the story a clear message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKS CITED

Norris, Dana. The Storytelling Code: 10 Simple Rules to Shape and Tell a Brilliant Story. 1st ed., Self-Published, 2018.

Maven. “13 Best Books on Storytelling You Should Read.” Maven, https://maven.com/articles/storytelling-books?utm_source=chatgpt.com