The ability to tell a story and communicate to an audience is not as simple as one might think. It takes practice but also an intentionality and commitment to hone one's storytelling skills. I enjoyed the practicality of John's book. It was written in an easy to understand manner. The chapters are not overly long and each one provides you with exercises to practice what he has written about. I walked away from the book encouraged that I can learn to communicate better. We use the spoken word not just in telling stories but in the work place, our homes, with friends - the ability to craft those words in a way that maximizes effectiveness is important. This book will help you do that!

- received a copy of this from the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of the book -

I have found that the reprints of books that I missed the first time can be a real eye-opener. Such is the case of this book, originally published in 2003 and republished in 2014. I was introduced to "speech" writing during my senior year of high school. Three years later, my college degree also required a course in speech. I actually took two - one on the theory of communication and the second a more traditional speech course. We were required to present our in class speeches without notes - an exercise I hated at the time. My opinion changed the next summer when I was asked to tell a bit of my life story to a group of 100 peers - except when I got to the front of the group, I had forgotten my notes. I have always wished I had gone back and told my speech teacher "Thank You." I did not - perhaps this review can serve as a virtual "Thank You" to that experience.

My education in speech writing was no over - homiletics (sermon preparation) was a requirement as part of my seminary education. With four courses under my belt, I figured my education was over. At least until I stumbled upon John Walsh's book The Art of Storytelling. None of my education had taught me to prepare a story for presentation. John Walsh had now done that.

In more recent years the use of the "Narrative Sermon" has made the art of storytelling an increasingly important skill for the person serving in the pulpit.

The Art of Storytelling is as much book about storytelling as it is a textbook - including step by step by step instructions and practical exercises throughout for the student, whether in the classroom or as an independent learner, to experience each of the 13/14 steps outlined in the book.

The steps are divided into three parts:

Steps to Crafting A Captivating Story

Tools for Presenting A Captivating Story

Bible Telling

Each steps includes three kinds of instruction. They begin with the principles - some with more details than others, but specific guidance is provided in carrying out each step. This is followed by an example illustrating how the author has applied the principles of the step - including the occasional misstep that he found in preparing the story for presentation. The author follows the preparation of a single story throughout the book. Finally, a number of practical exercises complete each chapter, as mentioned earlier - practical exercises that can be used by the teacher in a formal classroom or by the independent learner of the experience storytelling.

I would like to see this book be adopted as a required ancillary text in the seminary homiletics classroom - where each student must prepare at least one narrative sermon. I would require the book as part of the education of every student in a speech course as well. Storytelling is not just a formal activity for the professional speaker, but a skill that would be of use to every parent, grandparent, aunt, and uncle.

As the reader might perceive, I enjoyed my walk through this book. The author's own testimony demonstrates its usefulness in the formal classroom; my own experience testifies to its usefulness for the independent learner. Each of us can become a better storyteller - allow John Walsh to guide you on that experience.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

What an interesting book!

Helpful for people eager to perfect their storytelling skills, beneficial for public speakers, and missionaries.

And even useful for just a regular person like me and you.

Because we all tell stories.

Every day!

You may not think of them as such, but every incident you choose to relate to someone else is a story you have found fascinating. And you are a storyteller. It is in your power to make your stories spell-bounding and meaningful or flat and boring. I love talking with family and friends, describing to them my thoughts and discoveries. I can't wait to put the lessons presented in this 14-chapter book into practice. I am sure my personal audience will much appreciate what I have learnt!

This work by John Walsh was very easy to read; perhaps because of the unusual content, maybe because the author has an engaging style of writing. This book was not simply a textbook or ''how-to'' manual.

Walsh's personal story is inspiring: growing up wit a major stutter, he nevertheless felt called by God to the ministry of public speaking. It is interesting to see how God helped him overcome, for the most part, his weakness.