The Art Of Oral Storytelling

My Aunt Bessie was the Oral Historian, the storyteller of our family.

Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with someone from an older generation and listening to their stories from childhood, as well as the lessons they learned sitting at the feet of their grandfather, who shared stories of the past.

It reminded me of my Aunt Bessie, who passed away some time ago. She was the oral historian storyteller of our family, weaving fantastical tales from days gone by. So vivid were these stories in her mind that she could describe moments in such detail, you felt as though you were right there with her.

I was captivated by how entranced I became as he spoke with such poetic detail. I found myself resting my chin on my hand, leaning in, as I imagined the scenes he described. I could see the young boy walking alongside his grandfather down a dirt road, kicking stones, hanging on every word.

This wasn’t just a conversation; this was storytelling. When someone can transport you through space and time with their words, making you feel as if you’re right there with them, your imagination is sparked by the vividness of each moment they describe.

I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on until today. How this older man and my dear Aunt Bessie were great story tellers without a title, or something they got paid to do. It was in them, of them. And we were the lucky beneficiaries of this blessed gift.

As a writer, it was a true treat. I felt like a child again, sitting on the edge of my seat as someone told me stories, painting pictures with their words and gestures, creating a world I could visit.

Maybe this is one of the many reasons I love writing. To give that same feeling to others that I felt as a child.

Oral storytelling is an art form—a gift to both the storyteller and the listener.

Who is the oral historian storyteller in your family and how did they inspire you?

______________________________________

I am Sherry Taveras, the Writers Accountability Coach, dedicated to supporting you in your sacred work, to keep you writing through all the highs and lows and get your work out there because the world needs it.