From Audience to Zeal: The ABCs of Finding, Crafting, and Telling a Great Story

by Laura S Packer

Your Guide to Becoming a Better Storyteller. Anchored with decades of experience yet written with the intimacy of a casual discussion over coffee, “From Audience to Zeal” is an extensive guide through the ABCs of storytelling in most any situation. Join Laura Packer for a conversational and studied approach to the many tools, techniques, and reflections for being an impactful communicator and storyteller. Your Go-To Resource to Improving Your Public-Speaking ! You get 184 pages of insights, practical advice, authentic reflections, and to-the-point how-to's; this book will be the resource you come back to over and over again for guidance and wisdom in the art of storytelling. "Pick the Brain" of an Experienced, Expert Storytelling Coach! Laura's decades of experience in nearly every communication setting shines through in her new book. Her style is familiar, like talking with a caring and concerned mentor who wants you to be your best by learning from her authentic and varied experiences in the art form. You'll be a better public-speaker from just spending some time reading her notes and teachings. What Others “Whether you are starting out or wondering about next directions in the art, Laura is an excellent, experienced guide.” -Kevin Cordi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education, Ohio Northern University; International Storytelling SIG Chair, National Council of Teachers of English “Beginning storytellers will find that it easily breaks down the nuts and bolts of storytelling from ‘A to Z.’ More seasoned storytellers will appreciate Laura’s experiences and anecdotes to hone their practices.” -Aimee DuBois, Storytelling Instructor, Normandale Community College “Wow! Yes, that's one of the entries in this amazing book, along with Love and Vulnerability, Tenderness and Truth. Indeed, the lessons reinforced each other. The writing is engaging and lyrical. This book promises to enlighten and delight, to demonstrate and show, and yes, to cause the reader to say, more than once, ‘Wow!’”-Susan Dray, Ph.D., Certified User-Experience Professional; Vice President at Large, ACM SIGCHI

194 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2019

Reviews

[Csenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are making a care package for a storyteller who is just starting out on their journey, put this book in it. If you are a storyteller who has been traveling for a while, take a break and read this book. Either way, it has a lot to offer, and it is as heartwarming a starting gift as it is a reminder of why we do what we do.
Laura Packer is an experienced, knowledgeable, honest storyteller, who is sharing her experiences generously in this volume. In short, A-to-Z thematic chapters, she touches on a variety of issues - practical (how to write a contract), ethical (what to do about cultural appropriation), philosophical (the role of storytellers in the world), scientific (how storytelling affects the human brain), and personal (why we are very lucky to have a calling like this). She includes example stories, personal anecdotes, and a good deal of humor. She approaches touchy subjects with integrity, honesty, and a no-nonsense attitude. As a storyteller, she is unique: She is not only one of the rare artists that craft their own tales from scratch (sometimes called "new trad" storytelling), but she has also been doing this on a very high artistic level for a long time, pushing boundaries with fearless creativity and active kindness. Her creative process is admirable, and she openly explains the details of why and how she does what she does, offering her knowledge to help other tellers. She also talks in detail about working with fairy tales, personal stories, and historical narratives, making the book diverse, and a very useful source for storytellers who are thinking about branching out into genres they have not tried before.
I have been a storyteller for 13 years, and I adore this book. It says a lot of things that need to be said, and said repeatedly; it acknowledges storytelling as art, craft, calling, and profession. It stresses the importance of kindness, dedication, and personal connection. It speaks wisely and eloquently to other tellers, listeners, and curious readers alike. It is a great introduction to storytelling, and also a drink of fresh water for every time we get too lost in the details of what we do. Excellent book. We are lucky to have it.