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"Storytelling opens avenues
for conveying a message,
awakening the imagination,
and communicating
thoughts and feelings
that we otherwise
have no way to express."
- SMF This quote is found on the opening page of Susan Marie Frontczak's website www.storysmith.org.
What a delight to have a chance to glean some "jewels" of storytelling from the expertly imparted presentation by Susan Marie Frontczak! Susan Marie used her energy to focus on "Audience Participation". From the beginning of her presentation to the end, her efforts to include the audience resulted in a fun and sustainable experience for all. Who doesn't benefit from hands-on training?
 Susan Marie demonstrated the power of holding an audience' attention. It began with the story of "Three Perfect Peaches". As we settled into the story, she suddenly put the story on hold, telling us she would tell us more later! It was like a commercial in the middle of a fascinating movie! I, for one, was enthralled with the story and was certainly wanting to hear the rest of the story! So for the moment, we listened to a few of the suggestions she was willing to share with us. These were:
1. It is important to build up trust with your audience and to do so gradually. Once trust has been established, audience members will feel more comfortable in participating with the teller, making the time spent an even more enjoyable experience.
2. The use of emotions is a powerful tool in storytelling. This was evident when Susan Marie put this into motion. She used visuals (gestures), eye contact and, of course, audience participation. Putting all of these tools together allows the audience to have a better appreciation of the presentation. It also makes the experience better for the teller as the use of emotions allows the teller to feel the power of the story and emboldens the teller to pass it on to the listener.
3. Try one thing at a time that would be out of your comfort zone just to see if it works.
Then it was time to continue with the story which I was immediately drawn back into. I could see the characters in my mind, feel their emotions, it seemed almost tangible. Then without warning, the story was interrupted once more! No! Still, I was not without hope as Susan Marie promised to finish the story. That anticipation of learning more of the story made an impact on me. What a great way to build the story up and hold the audience' attention for more to come! 
It was at this point that Susan Marie introduced the fun of audience participation. After showing us some of her abilities to present stories as the use of pantomime in flying a kite from "Wind on the Hill" and the visualization of what a spider on it's back would look like from Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock", she proceeded to use volunteers for her next story.
It was at this point that I could see how the trust relationship had been established, as many had no trouble wanting to participate! Soon, several volunteers were in the midst of the story, "Old Sailor". There were "hats", "springs", "knickers", a "fishing pole", "shade", even a "house" all made by the volunteers! (No fire in this story though)! What a show! However, those in the audience were not to be left out. As those who were selected demonstrated their "craft", the audience shouted out what each volunteer was depicting. Everyone had a part in the story! I can't think of a better way for anyone to remember a story! It was an informative and fun day.
Then, on with the rest of the story! With everything else going on I had almost forgotten! So what a pleasant surprise to know that I would actually hear the end of "Three Perfect Peaches"! I was not disappointed. My attention never waned, and, because I was so engrossed in the story telling, my notes were not completed. I ask your forgiveness if I have left anything out. I guess that means you are left to your own thoughts about your experience that day and you will be the one to know how your involvement will be best remembered and passed on through your own storytelling! A word of warning though. You might find that you end up having too much fun!
Thank you Susan Marie for sharing your time with us. A lot of wisdom was handed down and it is very beneficial! Your casual style made us feel like there really isn't anything that we can mess up so badly that will ruin the whole story we are trying to tell!
Susan Marie will be back in Grand Junction April 20 - 24, 2015. If you have time to spend with her, it will be time well spent!
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