by Jack Porcello
Performance art is all about the sell. What we are attempting to do is to convince our audience that what we have to offer, namely our presentation, has value to them. Whether the value is entertainment, education, inspiration, or something else depends entirely on our objectives and our client's request. Anyone who has ever sold anything realizes that the best way to be convincing in the sell is to be convinced of the product. Yes, we all know what fantastic performers we are. Equally important is the content of the performance.
I have come to believe that truly effective storytelling is extremely subjective in nature. It can be argued, and quite convincingly, that truly world-class storytellers can present a tale that has little or no personal meaning with as much power as one that speaks to their hearts. But it does take a much greater effort on the part of the teller to pull this off. Eventually, after repeated performances the message will become tiresome. Our hypocrisies will eventually find us out.
In my experience, the most entertaining and inspirational messages I give are the ones that come straight from my heart. As an evangelical teller, the overwhelming majority of my text reflects my faith. The texts I choose outside of that which I recognize as sacred writings are selected to demonstrate my ethical, moral, and philosophical convictions. In all cases, if the story doesn't speak to me personally then I will not share it with others publicly.
Being true to myself in my text selection is of great importance to me. I feel as though my personal convictions and private beliefs are demonstrated by that which I choose to share publicly. To act otherwise is a betrayal of self, and also a sure fire way to give an adequate performance at best. If my storytelling is to be dynamic and memorable, then I will only share that which I value the highest. This way, it is that much easier to convince others of its value.
Choose text that has meaning to you, that reflects what is in your heart, that does not contradict with who you are. When the story first speaks dynamically and powerfully to you, then you can make that story your own. Once you have ownership of the text, then you can deliver it in the power that it delivered to you.
Next month: Point Of View.
See my website for more information, or you may e-mail me at info@airtothekingdom.org.
Until next time, I remain *Air-tistically* yours! Jack