Liz Warren | Storyteller

The First Time I Heard Donald Davis by Terri Jackson

His voice was very intense, humorous, soothing and quiet.  It reminded me of the guy from “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show, Garrison Keillor.  I was so enthralled by Mr. Davis’ storytelling that I purchased his book Writing as a Second Language from Experience to Story to Prose and his CD  Cripple Joe: Stories from My Daddy. 

I remember these important points:

  1. Let the story come out no matter the setting.
  2. Make sure when you are telling stories to children the stories are appropriate for their ages so they feel free to listen.
  3. The Teller is always in control of what’s being told and should have a personal connection to the story.
  4. Overcoming fear empowers the Teller.  Tell what you know and are familiar with in terms of your background.
  5. Listen to other Tellers with reverence.

8 responses to “The First Time I Heard Donald Davis by Terri Jackson”

  1. Susan Malmo Avatar
    Susan Malmo

    Yes — listening to other tellers with reverence is the most useful skill I’ve learned. I’ve already learned so much from other tellers, and I’m always finding that some story brings out memories in me — memories that want to become stories.

    Reply
  2. Laurie Provost Avatar
    Laurie Provost

    Thanks for the great info. about Donald Davis. I’m definitely gonna have to check him out since you, and everyone in class is always referencing him. I like the outline of the key points you remember, very helpful! And, I love your enthusiasm!

    Reply
  3. Eva Valdez Avatar
    Eva Valdez

    If one has the chance to attend a Donald Davis workshop or event do so! It is so motivating and thought-provoking. He opened up a desire to take chances in story and to identify feelings, smells,and sounds in a way I’ve never thought of before.Freedom in expression is a gift I came away with after my retreat with Mr. Davis and as I’m learning.Personal stories are hard for me but I’m open to the revolution of thought,emotion and memory that is occurring as I evolve and find my niche

    Reply
  4. Crystal Gale Avatar
    Crystal Gale

    Each one of the points you made, spoke to me and caused me to pause and reflect. Again, I am reminded of the power of story and the responsibility of the storyteller. Telling a story appropriate for the audience, does allow the listener to be free to listen. Wow! What a beautiful point to ponder. Thank-you Terri!

    Reply
  5. DrBev Avatar
    DrBev

    Thanks for the outline of points you remember. I found myself taking notes so that I can remember those points. I had the opportunity to see Donald Davis last year and it is an experience I will never forget. He is an awesome storyteller.

    Reply
  6. Nancy Wolter Avatar
    Nancy Wolter

    You are so good at finding the key points and elucidating them so clearly. This is a great outline and reminder as we continue to mine our personal histories for stories, and find ways to connect them.

    Reply
  7. Leticia Avatar
    Leticia

    Thank you for sharing your insight. Your points highlight how kinesthetic storytelling really is, though at first blush it seems to be an auditory experience. Almost each point mentions feeling words: feel, control, connection, overcoming, fear, empowers, reverence.

    Reply
  8. John Genette Avatar
    John Genette

    Thanks for this post. I was struck by the notion of listening with reverence. It reminds me of the concept of “I-Thou” written about by Martin Buber and later by Walter Ong. The idea is that humans are built for face-to-face interaction, and when we engage each other in that way it has a special quality, what some might think of as sacred. So, when we listen to a teller with reverence, we are also showing reverence for the time-honored oral tradition.

    Reply

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