I would add that it is really worth seeing professional storytellers, especially if there is a storytelling festival in your area. These are often people who te

I would add that it is really worth seeing professional storytellers, especially if there is a storytelling festival in your area. These are often people who tell both traditional folk tales and personal stories, and sometimes just crazy invented stuff. It's not comedy but it's often funny, and it's not theatre but it's often dramatic. You can be in a tent with 2000 people and feel like you just had a great conversation with an old friend. There is a ton of wisdom, practice, and stagecraft involved in getting to that level, but at the same time the fundamentals are simple and consistent: Respect the audience, respect the story, and let some of your own personality in.