By Andrea Yeaman    Northside Neighbor Staff Writer

For those who have wanted an audience of captivated listeners in awe of their ability to tell stories, the Summer Storytelling Workshop Series is the place to begin learning storytelling skills.

“Stories send chills down our spines, bring tears to our eyes, raise our spirits and brighten our emotions,” said Northsider Michele Moore, who organized the series.

According to Ms. Moore, the Summer Storytelling Workshop Series is structured to provide a good grounding in storytelling, and to strengthen and develop storytelling skills over five consecutive Sundays through the end of August at the Buckhead YMCA.

John Beavin will kick-off the storytelling workshops session on July 29. He said he first fell in love with the art of storytelling more than a decade ago through the nature of stories and the outgoing manners of the storytellers.

In his workshop titled “The Magic of Storytelling,” Beavin will discuss how to tell what is a story and what is not a story, the components of a story and the basics of good storytelling.

Ms. Moore, who expects to draw a crowd of 75 to 100 people to attend the workshops, developed the series because she wanted to have storytelling workshops available to the public at a reasonable price.

“Stories are the life blood of everything we are doing,” said Ms. Moore. “Who wouldn’t want to be a better storyteller?”

Ms. Moore, who spent 20 years in corporate America, was turned on to storytelling late last year after attending an event sponsored by the Southern Order of Storytellers and becoming amazed at the power of storytelling.

“I had traveled around the world but had not heard people tell stories like that,” said Ms. Moore. “Good storytellers reach everyone from two to 82.”

According to Ms. Moore, many of the first lessons we learn as children were taught through stories.

“Stories record our history, carry our culture, teach religious and spiritual beliefs,” said Moore.

Beavin said the most important aspect of storytelling is conveying those stories to children.

“With so much television these days, children are spoon-fed their imagery, so they do not form powerful images,” said Beavin. He said he believes forming powerful images are a key to helping children learn to read. Tips for telling better stories provided by StorySkills include choosing stories that contain action and strong visual images; polishing and preparing stories by telling them often; and telling stories in a relaxed, conversational tone.

Beavin and Ms. Moore cite stories coming from all sources, whether it be collecting them from other people, getting them from the library or using family tales.

The workshops are geared toward adults. Each session is $15 person, advance tickets required. Call (404) 934-1755 or visit www.StorySkills.com for more information.