As a dream

Art, already at Charing Cross underground station. Even before one exits to the Trafalgar Square and enters the National gallery of arts.

So much to be inspired.

So much to dream.

So much to use.

Which story should I tell first? Which to chose and use? Which one should be my "first" of 2013?

Back two years ago: notebook

This morning, I found (in fact it was on a small table) the first notebook of my essays to learn comedy. 

From the comedy school's Standup workshop February to March, through Standup & Deliver by Logan Murray in May, till June 2011, containing not only what I wrote during my first standup comedy workshops, but also things from the first books read on the subject.

I got through three pages only yet, but already it is very interesting, to me. I will copy everything on the computer and at the same time think about not only what I wrote then but the distance traveled.

Two years ago, indeed, I went to the discovery of "comic" in me and with the intention of expanding my "comfort zone." I did expand it.

At the beginning of it, I cited dad who on his hospital bed, near death, told me: "take life less seriously, Julie."

Then, remembered (to give me courage or use) what my daughter answered me once, in the car driving me to the airport. I told him that "I worry how my face is full of traces of medical burnings" and she told me: "Do not worry, Mom. Nobody looks at you, really. All worried about how they all look. "

To this, I added two years ago in my notebook : "since I do almost looks in the mirror either. And when I do, I have a shock. Is it me? How is it possible someone so young at heart, mind, soul appear so?"

Then I added: "perhaps, they can see the five year old child through my eyes".

I have not used this since I awkwardly tried to explain it to my first workshop's at young men/boys, my colleagues in the Standup Workshop :  they let me "die" with this material. Staring at me as to a strange animal.

Yes, it's true, it was the first and last time I "died" at a comedy gig.

However, it is only necessary to find "how to" turn it is, I could reuse it then.

And this is only from the first page!

There is a treasure of material not yet used waiting in this notebook and I hope to use them and revise them, turn the material in a way that can result in laugh.

Journal 25 Dec 1944

It all begun, not now, but 68 years ago, as the Christmas 1944,
when I was ten and half, I got this diary and begin to write in it.
From then one "the rest is history"… I never stopped really writing and documenting my life.

Expressing my feelings, up and downs. First, in writing, then telling, or humour. Expressing and not bottling inside.

Sometimes, there was a small pause, or another way of communication, used, friends, lovers, family. Pictures.

This was the beginning.

Here translated in English from Hungarian the first two pages. Read some of the rest (all my first journal) at:

julie70diary.blogspot.co.uk

the rest is only translated in French (diaries 10 to 70)

Budapest, December 25, 1944

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas. I am filled with happiness! Yet it is war.

We have pine branches on the lamp, we have decorated and added candies.

I also received many gifts! This diary, this pencil, a pair of slippers, leather for shoes, a large sledge, a pair of angora gloves, an inkstand, a bunch of images to be cut, two books: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen and The Great Day, I also received a nice box to store my treasures and eight handkerchiefs.

I am very happy!

Afternoon
For two days we were hearing the roar of cannons so strong that even the mother heard, at least the most violent ones.

This is what happened this afternoon during my gymnastics I hit my head, I almost forgot to make the bridge from standing.

We spent the afternoon in Tommy (a cute 2 years old boy!) Because at their place it is hot. (But I'm going to bed now.)

December 26 1944

Today was Mom's birthday.
The morning I was scolded and later I walked around the house, to the nearby streets with Dad.

I found some interesting things. We now live in Rose Hill, the street LotsBlood. A small bomb fell in front of the church of St. Apostles' (but no one died). A shell struck the corner of Margaret Street and it destroyed the windows and brought down a few fences but caused no other damage.

The Russians are already 10km from us, at Warm Valley (I'm happy.)

As it was the anniversary of Mom, the afternoon we played Monopoly. It was great! At the end, the French (escaped from Germany on the Danube) has replaced mom. Finally, he won with 48 thousand, I am left with 24 thousand, Dad only 20 thousand in ... paper.
It was fantastic! ! ! ! ! !

Evening:
I wonder what love is? What then does one feel in your heart?

Relaxing for a moment between takes

Filming for canal 4 Thinking.tv emission, the sound man, the producer, the runner, the video man, probably the names I did not got so well, in fact they did many things!

One did not only take sound but also surveyed the image on a screen, the two women asked me questions, prompted and asked sometime to tell it differently (adding the question for example) and the third also was in charge of lightening not only the filming.

Interesting experience.

From more then one hour, and perhaps half hour turning, 2 minutes will remain after editing, 'as if I told all in once' and not as if pieces are put together.

Good news! It will be on web from 31 December, afternoon. www.4thought.tv/
And on the television, Canal 4 BBC Sunday after the evening news, at 6 45 probably the 6 January 2013.


I had chance: the subject of Change is great for me, not only because I had so many, and last year a "spectacular" one with 55 gigs, suddenly at 77 year old, but also so much to tell.

Another time, I will be able to make some stories and tell about more. Last year, no, this year in March at Canal Cafe Theatre, Spark London theme (I coproducer with Joanna Yates) was also Change.

Yes, and there were many other changes in my life this last year!

2 cataract operations, first denture with three teeth, 5 minor skin surgeries, new eyeglass, and mostly: learned how to look at life with a Comedian's Eye.

44 month ago, as if it was yesterday

slideshow of photos taken on a special day, on a special place, along Great union canal

From central London to Warwick road and then a stroll along the Great Union (or Regent) Canal, till Chalk Rd, 44 month ago, the next day I moved in my apartment I ma now: finally. Waiting, to have the green light was long, finally went to London's discovery trips.

How to create a humorous story?

it can be said so much about it, of course, and it depends also a lot of the audience,

in the cycle of Area 59 Personal Storytelling workshops, yesterday three hours did fly without realising for the 8 of us, a workshop (real one!) held by the Humorous Workshop Winner from Toastmasters David Hampton, who gave us with kindness and intelligence "how to"

Of course, a personal story to begin with, add personality and foible, and stress, and exaggeration, and do not stop at stretching it as far as necessary. Personality! one of the most important factors, he left us thinking about it.

Write me as one that loves his fellow men.

Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An angel writing in a book of gold:— 

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the Presence in the room he said

"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,

And with a look made of all sweet accord,

Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

It came again with a great wakening light,

And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,

And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

Web

James Henry Leigh Hunt

Look well: funny, strange

A broken body is not a broken person

So inspiring! So well told too. Skier Janine Shepherd was hoping for an Olympic medal -- until she was hit by a truck. She shares a powerful story about the human potential for recovery.

Watch it!

Ted : shut up, listen!

Gigging 2012 (55+ in my 77th year)

Well, I did a lot more then just gigging and standup comedy, in my 77th year.

Went to three intensive and two shorter comedy workshops, created a personal storytelling workshop. Told personal humorous or/and inspirational stories. Coached new speakers. Sponsored, new club.

All that while also going through Cataract Eye operation, Three teeth denture, skin face and back surgeries.

I learned to look at life, mine mostly, with comedian's eye. I learned that I do have funny bones.


I showed others: there is life after 77.

Long way

Comedy Sunday at comedy school. Great teachers, comedians and meetings with others. I also measured the long way I have gone since I begun, and even more since last year.

I have taken a lot of workshops, each let me grow in different ways.

First, was the Comedy School and Standup Comedy beginners class. 2011 February / March, with a great and for me successfully showcase at Pirates Castle. I had lots of difficulty to.get along with my colleagues but learned from that a lot too. I met also the great me Cee, our main teacher, and a compère without compare, and Adam Blum, who remains still my exemple as standup, and declared me as "his friend" yesterday. He is a wonderful human being and that shines,through his comedy as he performing too.

And Ivor Dembina, whom I met last year the first time, there. Who later was one of my other influencial teachers.

Elene, a great public speaker, whom I invited come too, and who was asking 'me' advice, now!

Many others, met on the circuit, who remember me and my name and gigs.

The second school was Logan Murray's, Standup and deliver in May last year. He taught me to look at the life with 'comedian's eye'. And many other technics. I also attended later, his comedy writing class, when I felt stuck in my five minutes and wanted to broaden it up.

In fact, it was David Jones, Toastmaster and dedicated teacher who pushed me to add at least half of new material, but most important, to go out there : do at least 20 gigs. Of course, once done twenty, gone so well, we do not stop. I am now past 55. If I count only gigs and not also the Humorous storytelling that I begun to do, more and more.

Add to all that two short impro courses, and Ivor's drop in, and follow up, and all that in less then two years.

But perhaps the most learning experience was doing the circuit, the open mic, the standup, the storytelling - more and more humorous- and with each, progressing a bit, learning about places, people, compères, and colleague comedians. Baiting in laughter, winning trophies, sometimes also loosing and learning from it too.

Slowly, between two eye operations, one first three teeth denture, five skin surgery, ups and downs of my life, I learned how wonderful is to look at all with Comedian's eye, and use all that comes to me with humour. It makes laugh others, but most important, it makes my life easier to live.

I did progress from the shaky five to ten solid minutes, and to a few paid gigs, from unknown to producers asking me to come back. Understanding a lot better than at the beginning of last year, what makes laugh. Still long way to go, if I just persist and jump again on the horse back, after a few weeks absence. My face is not scarred much, most do not even realise the scars. And even if there were, I learned Keith had right when he told us at first: it is the attitude that counts.

Richard Murray, Semifinal Humorous Contest speech, Cork

The first time, as we have now 12 divisions in the District 71 (England & Ireland) Toastmasters, we had Semifinals. Richard Murray, past Division H Governor passed easy to the finals with his serious and at the same time funny speach.

There is always a story

Poppy Day, Canary Wharf 2012

There are so many stories we can take or imagine from the street, interaction we can observe, broad on them.

Remember from them something from our life's.

On the ground, a fallen leave but it is still beautiful, as I can see myself, sometimes, even after 70 or 77!

There the flip side of a leaf, so different from the face: we all have different faces.

Lot of things that bothered us go 'down the list' as new ones arrive that are more serious or urgent : here is another story's beginning!

Do not act: behave.

Yesterday, I had a great answer to a question I was asked in our latest personal storytelling workshop:  when telling a story, should we not act? I knew the answer, well, my a,swer at least, but had difficulty,to explain it.

Burt Reynolds was interviewed on TV, and at the question: you love to teach now young actors, what is the most important message to them? He answered:

Do not act: behave.

If it is the answer even for actors, it is even more for those telling personal stories!

And yesterday, mr Cee, giving us advices for standup comedy, told us the same : be yourself. There are many aspects of you, take one and apply it to a part of your gig, set, then another for another part. Show true emotions, loves and hates. Be yourself, as much conversational.as possible. 

For the Speaking Public: Acting vs. Speaking

Speak & Deliver blog  post:  Acting vs. Speaking:

Have you ever watched a speaker and wondered if he knew you were even in the room?

It can be easy to go into acting mode as a speaker, especially if you've put a lot of work into your presentation. To start, you're on a stage, already separated from your audience. You know what you want to say, how you want to say it (whisper here, yell here), what gestures you want to use, and you don't want to miss a practiced beat.

I've watched many a terrifically constructed speech packed with wit, pathos, action, and a strong calls to action, fall completely flat. They were in full performance mode, but forgot we were in the room - putting up a virtual television screen that separated us from them. Had we watched the speech at home on our wide screen HD with stereo sound, we'd be closer to contentment. What we want from a speaker in person, however, is not just a message, but a connection, a conversation. 

Typical Acting VS. Effective Speaking

- Memorized lines written by others VS. memorized ideas written by the speaker

- Blocking (move stage left) as written VS. movement (step towards the audience to strengthen statement) out of natural intent and authentic emotion

- Dialogue stays on stage VS. dialogue with the audience

- Suspension of disbelief (putting your audience into the moment for the entirety of the performance)VS. temporary transport (taking your audience in and out of a scene, always landing in reality)
- Little to no eye-contact VS. intentional, specific, and continual eye contact
- Appreciation for their performance VS. appreciation for our reception of message

<~> <~> <~> 

Wonderfully explained, the differences between acting - at and not interacting with the public. All we have not to do, (and do) so we are not remote but 'with'

Mastering the pause

video on pause

1. Pause and scan the audience : get acquainted with them
2. Dramatic pause after important statement: give time to absorb
3. Pause after a dramatic question, let time to think
4. Pause instead of filler words
5. Pause may seem inconfortable, but grabs their attention, holds them

Liza Minnelli at Artist Studio

so much to learn !

Three tiny great books

For those who do not like to read a lot, but also great for exercises and reminders,

Each gives. Something different, each is interesting.

For my library, and to show and to get inspired by them and their content.

Many together

One can tell a tale, but when many of us reunited tell each their own personal : "first time I..." Then all becomes bigger then each one separately.

Yesterday, 13 of us, from absolute beginner to master public speakers, told theirs. It was a great event and a real workshop, we learned from it, and where entertained in the same time.

Second Personal Storytelling Workshop 10 October Lewisham Speakers club meeting place. But we will also, 10 of us, visit Spark London's storytelling event at Canal Cafe, the 1st October!

"One learns best in an enjoyable environment" Ralph Smedley

Formating your book or novel for Kindle

Not always live, sometimes a book or novel to make known as e-book

here are some great advices on how to

- she made more in one month like this then 4 years traditional publishing!

From toastmasters international : tell life stories!

From toastmasters international

It's not just a speech –
it's your life story!

By Dee Dees, DTM


You look at the newly-distributed schedule for the upcoming month’s meetings and there it is... your name listed under “Speaker.” While you’re eager to complete the manual and achieve the coveted CC, you find yourself wondering, What am I going to talk about this time?

Look no further than your own life experiences. After all, that’s how we begin our Toastmasters journey – talking about yourself in our Ice Breaker speech. I suggest you continue down that path throughout the entire manual.

Too egotistical, you say? Too “all about me?” Afraid others will be bored? Not if it’s done with the audience in mind.

Let’s look at each project, and see how you can use your experiences, skills or interests to educate the audience, while also letting them get to know you better:


1. Ice Breaker (Objectives: Discover strengths and weaknesses of speaking.)

We already know that the Ice Breaker is an opportunity to give the audience a brief overview of your life, so they get to know you early on. While a mini-bio from childhood to the present is often the chosen format, you might also try some other options. How about describing the “inner you” – your philosophies, beliefs, values and goals. Or perhaps you’ll choose to focus on a life-changing event that guided your journey so far. There are lots of ways to let your audience get to know you. Be creative in how you present it.


2. Organize Your Speech (Objectives: Supporting material, transitions, strong opening and closing statements.)

This project is broad enough to give you lots of options for speech material. Using your life’s experience as a basis, consider some of the following topics: Your current or past jobs, military experience, organisations you’ve volunteered on or been part of, hobbies, or areas of expertise you might have. Use the speech to explain how you became interested in the subject, how you’ve gained your knowledge of it, and what you want to do in the future along these lines.


3. Get to the Point (Objectives: Inform, persuade, entertain, inspire, narrow down broad purpose into more specific one.)

This project, too, is broad enough to allow for lots of topics. Since you are talking about your life, discuss an issue that’s important to you and has influenced your life somehow. Perhaps it’s the importance of your college education, or the impact of having served in the military. Or maybe you’ve raised a child with special needs, or been the main caregiver for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. Any of these would meet one or more of the objectives to inform, persuade, entertain or inspire.


4. How to Say It (Objectives: Select the right words, eliminate jargon, use rhetorical devices.)

This is the perfect project to tell about some of your favourite vacation spots; be sure to describe them vividly. Or describe your emotions during a major event in your life – marriage, the birth of your child, or retiring from your job. Describe a special person in your life, searching for just the right word to help everyone see and really know that person.


5. Your Body Speaks (Objectives: Stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact.)

In this project, choose an incident in your life that will allow you to move around a bit more than you have in the past. Describe how you landed the 38-pound trout, your first time trying to hit a golf ball, or the agonies you go through in your aerobics class. Put your whole body into it! Or try a speech where your facial expressions do the talking – raised eyebrows, a smirk, or even the Bob Newhart blink, can all express a multitude of emotions or attitudes.


6. Vocal Variety (Objectives: Use volume, pitch, rate, add meaning and interest, pauses.)

Did you teach your teenager to drive? Have you had a heart-to-heart talk with an aging parent? Did you tell your boss what he could do with his job before you walked out? These are great opportunities to tell a little about events in your life where passion, emotion or drama were involved. You can change your voice for each part, or just use the varied inflections in your own voice as your emotions changed.


7. Research Your Topic (Objectives: use facts, examples and illustrations gathered from various sources through research.)

This would be a great time to speak about a favourite relative. Research how your ancestors ended up here. Bring photos of your grandparents and tell how they managed through the Depression. Tell about an uncle’s experience in WWII or Vietnam, and include information about the political attitudes of the era. Once you begin, the research will be fun, and you’ll be adding to your own life’s history by including the history of your ancestors.


8. Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (Objectives: Select visual aids appropriate for message; use them correctly and with confidence.)

While we normally associate visual aids with business meetings and seminars, their use can also be an excellent way to demonstrate a hobby, skill or talent you enjoy. I’ve seen props used to demonstrate the steps involved in building model ships, needlework techniques, food preparation, and scrapbooking. Computer- based visuals can flash pictures of a favourite trip on the screen. A flip chart or whiteboard can be used to list specific instructions for a craft or hobby that you enjoy.


9. Persuade with Power (Objectives: Use logic and emotion to appeal to audience; persuade them in some way.)

What are you passionate about? What social causes do you believe in? With what organisations do you volunteer? Any of these issues can educate an audience while also allowing you to explain your viewpoints, beliefs, concerns and passions. If you can convince a member of your audience to get involved in a specific cause, everyone wins!


10. Inspire Your Audience (Objectives: Challenge audience to achieve higher level of beliefs or achievement; appeal to needs and emotions, use stories, anecdotes, quotes.)

Choose a special event in your life; maybe a challenge you’ve overcome, a successful venture, or perhaps a life-changing decision you’ve made, and explain the importance of the event or what you learned from it. Present it in a way that the audience can also learn those lessons or be inspired by your experience.
–––
Once you’ve completed the basic manual, you can apply the same format of life story to many of the advanced manuals: The Entertaining Speaker, Speaking to Inform, Specialty Speeches, The Professional Speaker, Persuasive Speaking, Storytelling, and Humorously Speaking could all be used effectively to share your life experiences.


The Bonus!
If you typically write out your speeches in full, do whatever editing is necessary to make them more readable. If you usually just jot down notes, go ahead and write out the speech in full. As you complete each speech, file it in a three-ring binder. These speeches will serve as a basis for what may become a notebook full of stories of your life. A notebook that your descendants will one day treasure!

So remember, the next time you’re on the schedule, it’s not just a speech – it’s your life story!

Dee Dees, DTM, served on Toastmasters’ Board of Directors in 1994-1996. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Reach her at deedees44@hotmail.com.

Facettes : Storyteller, Comedian, Toastmaster

My different passions 2012:

Storyteller: Edinborogh and London
Comedian : London, Paris, Leicester...
Toastmaster : London

Each hatea taught me something different and each activity helped the other.

First came Toastmasters, speak in public, loving the audience and getting used to it. I fall in love with them, 4 years ago.

Then came telling personal true stories in theatre, at Townhall of Manchester, in Blackheath and London, even Edinbourg. Discovered 3 years ago, paid "pro?!" it gives me a new light on my life and courage to those listening to my,different tales created from parts of my life. Instant connection to the audience leaves us all happier, 'we can do'.

Third, came learning of standup comedy, going out to, now 50 times to different comedy clubs. Experimenting as standup with different, and in general, very reactive audience. finding out, I had Funny bones was a stunning experience for me, and at the same time I make laugh, I transmit a message: old is not as you may think, old can think or talk (or do) as young do.

Back to Toastmasters, to coach and create storytelling workshop. Last year, a very successful workshop, with 5 from it telling tales at the theatre at the finish, this year it will begin end of September, with new challeng and more experience. And, some of old learning last year, now teaching together with me.

All those different activities, and photography and blogging, relate and compliment each other. Looking observing relating life, our life and those around us. A beam of light, our view, my personal but in the same time general point of view.

More it is personal, more touches all who inside, feel but do not express it.

Begin with a story! as so many Ted speakers do

This is from another blog who did use a guest writer for it. Soon I'll add their names to this.

The first ten or twenty seconds of your speech is the peak of your audience's engagement level. It is not going to get any better as one by one your listeners will get distracted by their mental grocery lists or the next day's outfit.

Hook them fast with benefits by giving them an implicit or explicit reason to pay close attention.

Opening #1: The Personal Story

The most consistently successful opening is the personal story. 

Here is what you need to know. 

First, your personal story should really be personal. Tell your own story and share your observations. 

Second, make sure your story is directly relevant to your core message. If your goal is to inspire people to volunteer their time to feed the homeless, a cute story about how your dog can bark 'I love you' just does not belong. 

Third, fourth, and fifth, make your story highly emotional, highly sensory, and rich in dialogue. The story should be so specific that your audience is able to relive it with you. And sixth, start your story somewhere in the middle so that you immediate prompt your audience to wonder who, what, where, whey, why, or how.

In his TEDTalk, author and success expert Richard St. John demonstrated the power of using a personal story for his opening:

This is really a two hour presentation I give to high school students, cut down to three minutes. And it all started one day on a plane, on my way to TED, seven years ago. And in the seat next to me was a high school student, a teenager, and she came from a really poor family. And she wanted to make something of her life, and she asked me a simple little question. She said, "What leads to success?" And I felt really badly, because I couldn't give her a good answer. So I get off the plane, and I come to TED. And I think, jeez, I'm in the middle of a room of successful people! So why don't I ask them what helped them succeed, and pass it on to kids?

Did you visualize yourself on the plane? Did you turn your head and eavesdrop when the teenage girl, who came from a poor family, asked Richard for the secret of success? Could you feel Richard's disappointment about not having a good answer and his zeal to be ready to help kids in the future? Moreover, and more selfishly, are you now intensely curious what Richard St. John found to be the key to success? To find out, you will have to watch his talk on TED.com; I cannot spoil all the fun. But, at least you now know Richard's secret to capturing his audience with a personal story opening.

See also bellow : two stories begin and a story finishes the music teacher's speech - it works!

Michael Tilson Thomas: Music and emotion through time

He begins his wonderful Ted talk, with two personal stories. Ends it with yet, another. Before ending: you do it now.

 

 Michael Tilson Thomas: Music and emotion through time

New in London: comedy & workshop

FUNNY FITZROVIA - Fri 14 Sept 6 h 30

Not a conventional comedy gig nor a training workshop, but a unique, experimental blend of the two.  

MC/Compere

Barry Ferns
Finalist, Laughing Horse New Act Competition 2012


Running order:

Harriet Kelmsley 

Winner WeGotTickets New Act Competition Brighton 2011 

 Finalist, Laughing Horse New Act Competition, 2012

Yuki Tokeshi

 Award winning Humorous Speaker, Toastmasters Int'l

Glen Long 

 London Finalist, Humorous Speech Contest, Toastmasters Int'l

Julie Kertesz

Storyteller Spark London
Winner Silver Comedy Best Newcomer 2012, Leicester's Dave Festival :

 President Obonjo 

 President of Lafta Republic
 

Pierre LaPoule  

Le Breton anti Parisian Londoner / comedian

short break then:
Workshop segment 

Ola Aralepo
Humnorous Speaking Champion UK and Ireland, Toastmasters' Int'l 2011

Variety clubs

After True Storytelling at Canal Cafe Theatre (and other places) with Spark London, Comedy Club experiences in 50+ gigs, I begun to go out now to Variety shows. Tell humorous stories. Yesterday, at The Finsbury - exit 7 Manor House Tube, my story was very well taken and made also laugh a lot.

Direct from Edinburgh, where I delivered Humorous True Tales with Spark London

Places, with music, songs, comedy, storytelling at the same night.

It is an interesting experience, that I enjoy. Tonight, ~ ten minutes "Unexpected" story I created for Spark London this August in Edinburgh and went so well with Grant's Audience in Riddles Court.. 

Variety night, At The Finsbury, near Manor Tube, 8 30 pm

Firstly, it is longer then the short gigs and I have outgrown the beginner 5 minute comedy. I can have 10 or more minutes now even with gigs, but not yet everywhere. For Humorous Story we have 10 and I hope, soon 20 because stories need more breath with dialogue and scenes.

Already begun with humorous storytelling in one club, then a longer paid standup comedy in another, and longer comedy gigs in others. They all invited me back and referred me also to other clubs. I will combine, and go on to 20, preparing for After dinner places in the future too.

My first experiences, showed me also the differences of audiences.

More responsive usually in comedy clubs, and not only as laughter but for dialogue, in a variety show, the laughter is still there, but they are less used to answer back. To be seen and known, to remain more with rhetorical questions not waiting for people to cry out loud "yes, we want to know" for example. As I would not ask such question in the Theatre while telling a true tale, I should not in variety show either, or differently.

All audiences are great and I am in love with all of them, they are just, different.

Here from my last in the new Kaleido club.
"Thanks for a fantastic 10 mins Julie. It was a great atmosphere at the first night. Looking forward to the next one..." Nicola Kaleido www.clubkaleido.com

Clinton's wonderful rhetoric and specific examples too

text compared with delivery at
http://www.npr.org/2012/09/05/160643183/transcript-bill-clintons-convention-speech

It is long, more then 40 minutes and each minute is worth looking, listening, analysing it. And then back again to study all the things he used in it.

Just read about his great capacity to listen and focus on one who is speaking to him. Yes! Listening is also an important skill to learn.

A story hope and realisation

It was 5 years ago, before arriving in London.

I felt envy me too, to tell something and I thought I could make them laugh.

Without much conviction.

I had lots of laughs a few years ago in the center of France with the same story. I repeated a lot at home, this time, even taking short videos.

I called to say goodbye, my photo and blog mates, those living around Paris in a coffee bar in the 18th to listen to the fantastic couple arrived in Paris just for a while, the singer, her singing and playing the barrel organ. And others who are willing to perform.

My presentation was a fiasco. The desire was already in me to express myself. The desire was already in me, to make people laugh. The desire was already in me, to be more than just audience

It was not until I took photos in London for six months, I had six months "The Artist Way" meetups, and day by day wrote three pages in notebooks morning after morning, to begin to believe that I can try to be different as before, that I could do something else that I had always done.

First, tell about my life in public. Then, from last year's comedy.

Tonight, the first time, during a variety show, music and comedy, I'll be paid!*

Before me, a new medical intervention on my face. Behind me, teeth pulled out. Now, one ankle swells.

With all this, my main concern now, is how to make audience laugh for ten minutes!

A new part invented yesterday, while I was waiting my turn at the hospital :

"Born in Transylvania, I'm not a Vampire! My skin does not support sun. My eyes no longer tolerate strong light. But my teeth no more strong enough to bite!" and two other bits that went even better.

* Kaleida opening night went very well for me. Audience, organiser, and me, happy.

Michelle Obama - proves the impact of Personal Stories

At Democratic convention, the 4th of September, a magnifique speech by the first lady of united states, demonstrating the huge impact of sharing personal stories.

Here is the whole speech, but you can jump to look from 3 minutes and half... directly...

Tonight at Oxford, Monkey Business

Gigging tonight.

The Oxford, is on 256, Kentish Town, London NW5 2AA, Monkey Business Comedy.

Worried how it will go, and exhalirated at the same time.

No matter, soon I'll have behind me 50 successful comic performances, 100 speeches most with stories, each time I worry again, want to make it better, a little different.

While my stories are each time different, as I have lots of up and downs to tell about, the gig set carries very slowly. Improving testing with small spoons at a time. Writing it down, learning new bits, adjusting. I learned a lot by Standup Comedy. I continue to learn. Looking forward to meet new audience. And soon, combine comedy with stories, give them in the middle of music.

Most important, we are creating, and I imagined created the workshop with others imput too, about Personal storytelling. Just listened to Michele Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention, and was convinced more then ever of the impact of Personal Stories, exemples, in a speech. 

New Spark London storytelling in Hackney

Spark London: True Story-telling Open Mic

1st performance this Monday (and every second Monday of month from now)

Hackney Attic, Hackney Picturehouse 270 Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1HE, United Kingdom

Dave Pickering hosting

 

1st Theme: Back to School

The holidays are over and how better to face the jolt back into the "real world" than to come and share stories about it? Going back to school, going back to work, or even revisiting your past, we want stories about returning, about ending and about "the best years of our lives".
 

Spark London run true story telling events all across London... and now they’re coming to Hackney! 

 

The new Open Mic will showcase the stories of East Londoners and will take place on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Hackney Attic. Come along and watch people tell their true stories based around that month’s theme. Expect the unexpected as people sign up to tell their stories. It's an exciting and engaging atmosphere.

Perhaps you'll even be tempted to tell your story!

 

Review of our Storytelling in Edinburgh

Telling Tales

Broadway Baby Rating: ****

If everyone has a story to tell, one that’s worth listening to, then why is it that the only stories that shift copies off shelves and set Twitter alight are the births, marriages and deaths of the rich and the famous? As part of Grant’s True Tales, Spark London have come to Edinburgh to question a celebrity obsessed era that only wants to hear one type of tale and to deliver an important alternative: a tight and beautifully told ten minute story written and performed by the person it’s about.

It’s a flawless story telling format that took this very reviewer from her seat at Riddles Court to every corner of the globe in just under an hour, transported by voices from every age and every background. I began in post war Hungary, travelled through a Countdown obsessed Britain, en route Cardiff’s Taff River, before crash landing on a Caribbean island.

The stories were funny, elegant, and articulate and each one threw a light on a life previously unknown. ()

Riddles Court provides an enchanting setting for the course of the evening. A story telling mood is set from the moment you walk into the tree lined courtyard, a short story suspended from each leaf and written by the pens placed in front of you.

Yes, the storytelling is interactive but in an utterly charming and inoffensive way. Depending on the theme of each evening - mine was family - you will be asked to impart just a few lines based on your own colourful personal history. A few good ones are selected to read out in an interlude between the performers who have already mastered the art. Each of these few short lines proved to be performance worthy and persuaded people to believe that, in the space of their own memory, a treasure chest full of “ordinary” stories are waiting to be cracked open.

If you fancy dusting off any stories yourself, Spark are holding a 24 hour Storyathon and workshops to support the shakier storyteller before they perform.

Spark London should not just be stumbled on; they should be booked in advance and seats should be taken with anticipation.

Reviewer:

Kirsty Allen

Direct from Ted, the power of a story

Wonderful storyteller and charismatic speaker, and his message I do subscribe also completely. Today, go and speak with someone from another culture. Invite a stranger. Remember Abraham...

Well, I have to admit now, I have no idea about Abraham, I will find out, but I did experience many time the hospitality of "Arab" or "Jew" people, in many places. And many others, from different cultures, too. And I hope, I did also open to them.

Ed Tate, Toastmaster World Champion 2000 tells a story

Affecting individuals!

"I made an important discovery: 

breakthrough speaking isn’t about affecting an audience. 

It’s about affecting individuals in that audience. "

From Darren's blog
I believe it too

Analyze the Impact by    Mark Sanborn

You can afford risk and mistakes

A magician keynote speaker, funny and at the same time telling important messages

Clues to a great story

'Storytelling is joke telling, is knowing your punch line - your ending,
 ideally confirming a deeper understanding of who we are as human beings"

"it isn't anyone you could not love once you heard their story"

The importance of telling a story about yourself and some "how to" from a great film storyteller on Ted.com. Andrew Stanton has made you laugh and cry. He wrote the first film produced entirely on a computer, Toy Story. But what made that film a classic wasn't the history-making graphic technology -- it's the story, the heart, the characters that children around the world instantly accepted into their own lives. Just some of the things he said, which I jotted down while listening: "We all follow rules as long as certain conditions are met, after that all bets are off" "Expressing values you personally feel deep down to your core"

"Drama is uncertanity mingled with anticipation" at the begining you make a promise" make me care

.

Try it again and again

Souvenirs of Edinbourg Fringe

And do you think, he danced with me?

In all case those who took the image told me: "you make so funny Faces!"
I answered without even thinking: "normal, I am a comedian!"
I was later so surprised by my instant answer: I have never thought of myself comedian before!

Not only I told 5 different True Tales of my life with Spark London storytelling event organized with Grant's (and even made audience there laugh with them), but also gigged in Edinburgh the last day at Funny's Funny.

8 August, Funny's Funny, at The Free Systers, 339 Cowgate, EH1 1JS Standup Comedy all-female.  Only 8 minutes walk from the former. At 7 30 for Comedy gig.

Till 9th August 5 30 each day a new true story at Riddle's Court with Grant's True Tales and great storytellers from Spark London

Last hour of True Tale's Storytelling in Edinburgh

From Peter's interview :
“We’ll be working alongside a host of different performers, some professional, many amateur, and we’ll also be involving the audience in open mic sessions. The best thing about it is the fact that anyone and everyone can get involved – there’s no money in storytelling, we’re just doing it because we love it and enjoy the connection that it creates between us and the audience – something that really fits with the ethos of what the Fringe is all about”.

Telling stories not for money earned, but for the pleasure to create, share and communicate. YES!

Of course, from time to time, it is great to get also some money from it, but the greatest joy is to do it. Hours, days, months, spend creating a tale, we find it or it finds us. Then letting it grow, take shape, craft it so it goes easy into the minds of our audience. Performing it, getting all that wonderful positive energy from the audience. And, if we took care of it, looking to the video, or listening to recording and analysing "how could I improve, where was it great, what can I (or someone) learn from it.

Preparing a story always make me revisit my past, re-see it, make peace with it, and somehow, it begin to shape itself. We did tell it "simply" but it was nothing simple in their preparation and care we have all given to our story told in Edinburgh, told with Spark London in its soon now three venues, either.

Short and funny - from YouTube

Stamps ? What kind of stamps?

About our storytelling

Today is the last day in Edinbourgh, but the Spark Storytelling continues in London.
From September, in three different venues, each a bit different format.

True personal and carefully crafted stories told live - around a chosen theme each time.

Here is the review of our Edinburgh performance (I was the one from Hungary - and no, it was not about a dog, I never had one. My stories were about War and my doll. For Home. Father's tale helping me thirty years later, for Family. Desire to hold hands, for Desire (and some other desires). Last year stand-up adventures in Culture Shock told with humour.

And here is the Article of how she has perceived us.

Telling Tales

Broadway Baby Rating: ****

If everyone has a story to tell, one that’s worth listening to, then why is it that the only stories that shift copies off shelves and set Twitter alight are the births, marriages and deaths of the rich and the famous? As part of Grant’s True Tales, Spark London have come to Edinburgh to question a celebrity obsessed era that only wants to hear one type of tale and to deliver an important alternative: a tight and beautifully told ten minute story written and performed by the person it’s about.

It’s a flawless story telling format that took this very reviewer from her seat at Riddles Court to every corner of the globe in just under an hour, transported by voices from every age and every background. I began in post war Hungary, travelled through a Countdown obsessed Britain, en route Cardiff’s Taff River, before crash landing on a Caribbean island.

The stories were funny, elegant, and articulate and each one threw a light on a life previously unknown. You might enjoy one more than another, speaking for myself stories regarding childhood pets are usually lost on me, but they’re all worth a listen.

Each tale is delivered like a carefully gift wrapped package which has dropped unexpectedly onto your doormat. The stories are carefully crafted but not contrived for the sake of performance and because each one is so personal, the performer cares about how it reaches you.

Riddles Court provides an enchanting setting for the course of the evening. A story telling mood is set from the moment you walk into the tree lined courtyard, a short story suspended from each leaf and written by the pens placed in front of you.

Yes, the storytelling is interactive but in an utterly charming and inoffensive way. Depending on the theme of each evening - mine was family - you will be asked to impart just a few lines based on your own colourful personal history. A few good ones are selected to read out in an interlude between the performers who have already mastered the art. Each of these few short lines proved to be performance worthy and persuaded people to believe that, in the space of their own memory, a treasure chest full of “ordinary” stories are waiting to be cracked open.

If you fancy dusting off any stories yourself, Spark are holding a 24 hour Storyathon and workshops to support the shakier storyteller before they perform.

Spark London should not just be stumbled on; they should be booked in advance and seats should be taken with anticipation.

Reviewer:

Kirsty Allen

Kirsty Allen has written 12 reviews for Broadway Baby since joining the team in 2012.

Edinburgh Fringe from 4 to 9 Storytelling

I will be in Edinburgh from 3 to 10, telling from 4th another 10 minutes
6 different true stories each afternoon.

Riddle’s Court is an A listed building located close to Edinburgh Castle. Dating from the late 16th century, it is one of the finest surviving merchant’s houses on the Royal Mile. The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust moved its offices into Riddle’s Court in 2011 to help secure the building’s future, involving a major project to repair, conserve and enhance Riddle’s Court to create the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation. 

Text supplied by venue or third party.

The themes of the afternoon change every day

Saturday August 4 , Family
Sunday 5 th, Home
Monday 6th, Unexpected
Tuesday 7th, Desire
Wednesday 8th, Culture choc
And, for me, that day also : standup comedy with Funny's Funny to finish in Edinburgh.
The show will continue now, with others, different wonderful storytellers.

Comment on it already::
Hey! Anyone going up to Edinburgh this is a show to come along to. I'll be telling a story on the 4th but the whole run of shows is filled with fantastic storytellers such as Radcliffe Royds, Emily Lewsen, Julie Kertesz, Joanna Yates and Tony Hickson! D.P

The Independent.published also an article about this event.

Press on our storytelling - day one.

Grant's True Tales Presents Spark London Storytelling

Telling Tales in BroadwayBaby.com

Venue Number 16. Riddle's Court, 322 Lawnmarket,Edinburgh, EH1 2PG. 4-14 August 17:30 (1 hour 30 minutes).

If everyone has a story to tell, one that’s worth listening to, then why is it that the only stories that shift copies off shelves and set Twitter alight are the births, marriages and deaths of the rich and the famous? As part of Grant’s True Tales, Spark London have come to Edinburgh to question a celebrity obsessed era that only wants to hear one type of tale and to deliver an important alternative: a tight and beautifully told ten minute story written and performed by the person it’s about.

It’s a flawless story telling format that took this very reviewer from her seat at Riddles Court to every corner of the globe in just under an hour, transported by voices fro every age and every background. I began in post war Hungary, travelled through a Countdown obsessed Britain, en route Cardiff’s Taff River, before crash landing on a Caribbean island.

The stories were funny, elegant, and articulate and each one threw a light on a life previously unknown. You might enjoy one more than another, speaking for myself stories regarding childhood pets are usually lost on me, but they’re all worth a listen.

Each tale is delivered like a carefully gift wrapped package which has dropped unexpectedly onto your doormat. The stories are carefully crafted but not contrived for the sake of performance and because each one is so personal, the performer cares about how it reaches you.

Riddles Court provides an enchanting setting for the course of the evening. A story telling mood is set from the moment you walk into the tree lined courtyard, a short story suspended from each leaf and written by the pens placed in front of you.

Yes, the storytelling is interactive but in an utterly charming and inoffensive way. Depending on the theme of each evening - mine was family - you will be asked to impart just a few lines based on your own colourful personal history. A few good ones are selected to read out in an interlude between the performers who have already mastered the art. Each of these few short lines proved to be performance worthy and persuaded people to believe that, in the space of their own memory, a treasure chest full of “ordinary” stories are waiting to be cracked open.

If you fancy dusting off any stories yourself, Spark are holding a 24 hour Storyathon and workshops to support the shakier storyteller before they perform.

Spark London should not just be stumbled on; they should be booked in advance and seats should be taken with anticipation.

[Kirsty Allen] 

Study "Speak Easy" by Barry Gibbons

Speak Easy: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Giving Stunning Speeches [Kindle Edition]

Barry Gibbons (Author) 

Well,in my opinion this is a ***** five star book!

I downloaded it, free, from Ama, to my I-pod and have great time with it. Not only it has loads of good advices, but told in very Entretaining ways, with lots of anecdotes and personal stories, to