UK Calling

Storyteller Eric Wolf interviews other storytellers on interesting topics, records them and then posts the interviews as podcasts on his website, The Art of Storytelling with Children.

Eric sends emails inviting anyone interested to call in and participate in the conversation. I have been curious about these telephone conferences but the time had never worked out for me to call in - until tonight. I have to admit that I was drawn like a moth to a flame when I read that British storyteller, Tim Sheppard was the guest this evening.

Tim Sheppard also follows the listserve Storytell and I always read his posts. He never fails to reach to the heart of an issue or to push the boundaries of a discussion in an interesting direction. I have never met Tim and wanted to - even over the telephone.


The call lasted an hour - a very enjoyable and all too quickly over hour. Eric is an easy-going host, ready with questions to lead the guest into the plannned discussion. Tim, well I have already told you how erudite and informed he is, was right on the mark. Rready to talk about the Moment of Impact for a storyteller.

<Listening to his discussion, I understood that to be the moment we are in with the audience. I have known it before to be called "in the NOW". Be aware of the audience. Tim talked about the importance of eye-contact in creating a relationship with the audience. For me, that works when I keep my eyes in their eyes - making sure that I am staying with the audience.

At another point I appreciated hearing Tim say, "the storyteller is a guide, taking the listeners on a journey, giving them a satisfying journey and seeing them home safely at the end."

Adding, its best when the storyteller "accepts themselves and is less of a performer - then is able to give their attention to the audience."

There was much, much more. I hope you will check Eric's website and watch for this podcast. Down load it and enjoy this conversation yourself. Spend time with Tim Sheppard.

I am very glad I called. Maybe you will call on the next one.