Storytellers group helps speakers

Stories, when told with a certain flare, can convey powerful messages. The effectiveness tends to lie in the delivery.

While some people use those skills for the sake of the skills themselves, Laura Golod, branch manager of the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, uses the Storytellers of Las Vegas group for practical reasons. Being co-chairperson allows her to perfect her public speaking skills. It also serves other functions for those who hope to spread spoken tales or written stories.

Established about 15 years ago and operated by Marsha Cutler, former children's librarian and avid storyteller, the group fizzled when Cutler had to move out of state for a job opportunity.

After seeing how entertaining and valuable the group could be locally, Golod decided to re-establish it.

"I'm not a professional storyteller," Golod said. "But it really adds a dimension, specifically to multicultural programming. There are all different types of groups that run the whole gamut of stories. As a librarian, I had a chance to see and enjoy those programs. it reminds me of theater; it's like one-person shows."

As of October, the re-formed group has met at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the library. Attendees have included writers and people who want to be professional storytellers.

"Some people are looking to improve their comfort in front of an audience," Golod said. "Others are interested in becoming storytellers. Some are even using it as kind of a writers' group. They share whatever they're working on with the group, and give advice to other people."

Golod hopes the interest in the group will grow until it gets large enough to host events for speakers. Although areas in Utah host annual festivals celebrating the art of storytelling, in Las Vegas there are few opportunities to even see professional storytellers, with the exception of stand-up comedy, which incorporates some small aspects of the art form.

The upcoming meeting, scheduled for March 1, may have Cutler returning to give the group her take on storytelling. Because March is Women's History Month, Golod said the group's activities will tie in with the celebration of women.

"This year we're focusing on women as the keeper of their family's tradition and oral heritage," she said. "We'll be working on helping people tell their own stories."

Most people dread public speaking. Even more difficult than articulating in front of an audience is maintaining focus and telling a story with appropriate timing. Golod said those are the skills practiced at meetings.

"You can learn certain skills that go with different types of stories," she said. "In some cases it's as simple as memorizing the story. You have to practice telling it, and there are theatrical things you need to get right, such as the pauses.

"Because you perform live, there will be distractions and things that will throw you off, so you have to learn how to get back on track."

Those interested in attending can call 507-3459.


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