1. Remember it
Ah, the number of times I have started to tell a story just to discover that its finer points escape my memory. The key to telling a good story is to remember it. There is nothing more annoying for an audience that being made to jog after the dangling carrot only to find it half eaten. Therefore, do not eat up parts of your anecdote or story. If you cant remember it, forget it.
2. Stop Laughing
Another faux pas is to start laughing uncontrollably even before you narrate the tale, however hilarious. You fill find that the audience is laughing at you laughing, rather than the incomprehensible stream of babble you might have let loose in the name of a joke. Finish laughing first and then proceed else the effect will be dampening.
3. Punchline disasters
A screwed up punch line is like a punch on the face, but not quite. It's like drinking punch without any sugar. It is the most important part of any story and to ruin it requires very less effort on your part. Do not rush it, nor plod your way to the ending with the sleepiness of a mule driven cart.
4. Timeline
This is an interesting bit. Do you like epics? Now, what are views on epic failure, the term doing vigorous rounds on the internet these days? Surely, you would be loath to associate your tale with this unflattering term. One way to ensure it does not happen is to keep your story under 45 minutes of run-time. If you find people getting up for a bit of fresh air or snacks or emergency washroom visits and not returning, the worst has happened.
5. One time too many
So, ever been subjected to the cruelty of hearing a story every time you meet somebody? Ever felt like finishing their sentences for them because they have narrated it more times than is humanly bearable? Ever thought you might be that loser? I know I have. It's really difficult to accept that something so incredibly funny or brilliant must be relegated to the back shelf and not brought out every time you have friends over. As unbelievable as it may sound, only your best friends will hear your tale with the same enthusiasm when you regaled it to them for the first time. The rest my dear, frankly don't give a damn.
Ah, the number of times I have started to tell a story just to discover that its finer points escape my memory. The key to telling a good story is to remember it. There is nothing more annoying for an audience that being made to jog after the dangling carrot only to find it half eaten. Therefore, do not eat up parts of your anecdote or story. If you cant remember it, forget it.
2. Stop LaughingAnother faux pas is to start laughing uncontrollably even before you narrate the tale, however hilarious. You fill find that the audience is laughing at you laughing, rather than the incomprehensible stream of babble you might have let loose in the name of a joke. Finish laughing first and then proceed else the effect will be dampening.
3. Punchline disasters
A screwed up punch line is like a punch on the face, but not quite. It's like drinking punch without any sugar. It is the most important part of any story and to ruin it requires very less effort on your part. Do not rush it, nor plod your way to the ending with the sleepiness of a mule driven cart.
4. Timeline
This is an interesting bit. Do you like epics? Now, what are views on epic failure, the term doing vigorous rounds on the internet these days? Surely, you would be loath to associate your tale with this unflattering term. One way to ensure it does not happen is to keep your story under 45 minutes of run-time. If you find people getting up for a bit of fresh air or snacks or emergency washroom visits and not returning, the worst has happened.
5. One time too many
So, ever been subjected to the cruelty of hearing a story every time you meet somebody? Ever felt like finishing their sentences for them because they have narrated it more times than is humanly bearable? Ever thought you might be that loser? I know I have. It's really difficult to accept that something so incredibly funny or brilliant must be relegated to the back shelf and not brought out every time you have friends over. As unbelievable as it may sound, only your best friends will hear your tale with the same enthusiasm when you regaled it to them for the first time. The rest my dear, frankly don't give a damn.
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