We use stories all the time – to share how our day’s gone, to tell jokes, to entertain people … no-brainer, right?

Telling stories is what we do. If you want to learn how to tell stories better - and learn new skills from stories, this course is for you.

Stories are really useful. And when we use them, we’re following age-old patterns of thinking that help us structure our thoughts, that help us remember what we need to cover more easily, and that make it easier for listeners to get the message we want to convey.

In this course you'll learn:

• How to plan a great story.
• How to improve your memory.
• How to build interesting characters.
• How to make dialogue fun.
• How to make a scene come alive
• How to bring in spine-tingling, heart-wrenching moments.
• How to use words powerfully.

This course is all about helping you get better at doing something which is enjoyable and fun.

You won't just learn how to tell a good story better - you'll get to choose a special story from a tradition to tell. In the process, you'll learn about the culture and tradition it came from. And you'll learn new skills you can use to improve your thinking, communication, and written work in school and at home.

About Leon

The course is offered by Leon Conrad, a riddle-writer, and word-weaver, who works as a creative writer, editor, storyteller, voice teacher and educator steeped in the wonder and wisdom of the traditional integrated and integrative classical liberal arts, and is a keen supporter of living traditions, including living traditions of oral storytelling. He is author of several books including Aesop The Storyteller (Aladdin's Cave Press, 2008), a collection of 12 versified Aesopic fables, and History Riddles (Liberalis Books, 2013). He is currently working on two books: Bible Riddles and The Unknown Storyteller. The latter is the culmination of a five-year research project into the dynamics of how story stories.

Requirements

Students will need standard stationery supplies, and access to digital resources, including word processing softward and EITHER a digital shared workplace OR a hard copy A4 ring-file binder with dividers. In both cases, they will need facilities to upload clear scans or pictures of homework tasks. All courses will be taught on line in a specialised learning environment - a fast broadband connection is advisable. Some background reading will be required.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Content will be adapted to individual levels and interests as much as possible. Special needs students can be provided for (please contact the tutor to discuss before enrolling) and assessments can be handed in via video rather than in written format, with videos uploaded to YouTube or WeTransfer and shared via private link on this site.