Spin a Strong Yarn – Washington Post Express

PLENTY OF LOUDMOUTHS might think they spin a nice yarn — a long-winded uncle springs to mind — but the genuinely good storytellers are rare. And no matter how fascinating the fodder, a story is only as engaging as its teller. This inconvenient truth is to blame for many a glassy stare at family reunions and in boardroom meetings.

Enter SpeakeasyDC, a storytelling organization that offers coaching and training for wannabe raconteurs. Regular options include four-week sessions and one-day, six-hour boot camps for commitment-phobes. Classes support SpeakeasyDC’s monthly open mic series and other special events.

But don’t come expecting folktales, says Amy Saidman, director of SpeakeasyDC. The troop focuses on true personal narratives, from goofy coming-of-age anecdotes to painfully emotional experiences… Read full article