Try This at Home!

By Marilyn McPhie

Do try this at home!

Often when we see professionals at work – from sword-swallowers to electricians – the warning is given: “Don’t try this at home.” That means, leave this to the professionals, the people with training and fancy letters after their names.

Well, I’ve been a professional storyteller for more than 25 years. I’ve taken classes, workshops, studied with the best and won awards. I’ve performed all across the country and beyond. I consider myself a true professional.

And I’m here to tell you:  “Do try this at home!” You can do it, too! Of course, I think you’ll also love going to a storytelling festival or a story concert. There are some fabulous storytellers out there – find them by searching in your local parenting publication, online or newspapers.

Bring storytelling home with you
Don’t stop there, though. Bring storytelling home with you. One excellent way to get some great storytelling into your living room and your car is to get award-winning recordings from award-winning storytellers! Many of the best nationally and internationally known storytellers have wonderful recordings. At NAPPA, this is what we do: we listen and listen and listen, and then we share our favorites – the ones that made us laugh, made us think, made us remember, made us feel better about being a part of this-sometimes-difficult world, and made us draw loved ones closer. 

So get yourself some great CDs. And don’t forget audio books. There are some excellent books out there that can be shared a chapter at a time – or even all at once on a long car trip. (In fact, it’s often said that you can “shorten the road” with some great storytelling!)