The Story Center has teamed up with award-winning storyteller Laura Packer to develop a series of asynchronous, free programs, How to Be a Great Online Storyteller. Intended for casual and professional storytellers alike, the three programs cover a range of issues and techniques to help people tell stories successfully in virtual space. Each program is less than thirty minutes and features downloadable handouts.
Minnesota-based storyteller Laura Packer regularly presents programs at The Story Center. She has been telling, teaching, and coaching for over thirty years. In 2020, she was inducted into the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence. Find out more about Laura at laurapacker.com and check out her book, From Audience to Zeal: The ABCs of Finding, Crafting, and Telling a Great Story.
Part One
In this first part, Laura discusses a number of topics: the advantages and disadvantages of online storytelling, finding and telling stories, stories that work well online, technology and technique, practicing, staging, and connecting with the audience.
Part Two
In the second part, Laura covers how to look and sound good. This includes lighting tips and technology, microphone tips and technology, and some thoughts about how to prepare yourself for the camera. She also reviews how to prepare for a successful online storytelling experience, including pre-show checks, settings in your technology, and more.
Part Three
The series concludes with Laura discussing the pros and cons of live and recorded stories, recorded videos, special effects and screen sharing, when things go wrong, feedback and community, and who’s listening.