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What Gift Can I Bring?
Self-reflection in Preparation for a Storytelling Retreat
I have been a fan of storytelling and a storyteller groupie for decades, when I discovered this expressive art form. I don’t consider myself a storyteller and am blown away flattered when someone considers me one. I self-deprecatingly compare myself to the pros, who can captivate audiences with words, facial and body expressions, sound effects, and often even music. I’m not that.
In Hawai’i, we have a phrase to “talk story.” It’s not really conversation, but one person at a time talks, relaying a story or some kind - personal, anecdotal, significant (maybe). It’s not performance. It’s “talk story.” That’s the kind of “storyteller” I am.
Because of my love of storytelling, I wanted to attend this retreat to be held on the beautiful island of Kaua’i, organized by a storyteller friend of mine. I hesitated at first because it seemed like they wanted performers, but my friend assured me, that the opportunity was there if I wanted it, or I could just be an attendee and absorb what was offered.
That was a relief, but I did have to answer this question: “Your Gift: What do you bring to the storytelling table? What do you want to share with the group? It could be a topic, a lecture, a show, a question or issue to discuss, or nothing. Please…
