Telling stories on Skype

Remember how wild the idea of a videophone was thirty years ago? We're there! I've been using Skype, the video calling program, for a few years. This afternoon I coached another storyteller by Skype. It worked pretty well. A couple of years ago I gave a puppet workshop by Skype. It was okay, not great. There was a time lag and I couldn't see the kids very well. 

A friend suggested this morning that I could tell stories individually over Skype as a way to connect with kids who might only have listened to my stories on CD or on my website. We're going to try it out with her nephew and niece, who have all three of my CDs and want more. 

I don't think I'll tell stories by Skype from my office, where the walls are blood-red. It's okay for coaching, where I'm not the focus, but for storytelling, it's a little startling.

The wall paint is enamel, so it reflects the overhead light. 

For Skypetelling, I'd have to pay attention to what I'm wearing--no pajamas, for example. I'd need to check what's in the background. Too much clutter can be distracting. I might suggest to the cat that he go outside, so he's not a distraction. Or he could be part of the show?

And what if the quality of the Skype call is bad? I've had to hang up and try again with Skype calls. 

Any opinions on this idea?

Storytelling coaching with Skype

In 1992 or so, I went to a workshop on storytelling coaching with Doug Lipman. After that, I drove monthly from Connecticut to Massachusetts for one-on-one coaching. In the process, I learned Doug's supportive coaching methods, which I still use (and which I mentioned in an earlier blog post). His book, The storytelling coach: how to listen, praise and bring out people's best sits prominently on my reference shelf. It's a gem.

I haven't coached much lately. In the past, I've worked with storytellers in person and over the phone. Coaching over the phone works but is limited. I can't see gestures, posture and facial expressions, all of which add to--or detract from--the storytelling experience.

I'm looking forward to overcoming that limitation: I just bought a webcam and set up Skype. With coaching clients who also have webcams, I expect we can have some productive sessions.

Here I am at my desk today. I wonder if I'd feel compelled to iron my shirt before a coaching session. This picture also reminds me that it's time to take new publicity photos, as my hair is longer than it has been in at least 25 years.

P.S. If you're interested in my coaching services, e-mail me and we'll see what we can set up!