Being authentic in delivery is crucial because it ensures the story feels genuine and engaging. When a storyteller uses their natural voice and style, it helps maintain the audience's attention and trust. Authenticity allows the storyteller to connect with the audience on a deeper level, making the story more relatable and impactful.
Robert Krulwich believes that 'how you write is basically who you are' because a storyteller's writing style and voice reflect their personality and unique perspective. This authenticity is essential for creating engaging and credible stories. Each person has a distinct way of telling stories, and tapping into that personal style adds depth and drama to the narrative.
Drama is important in storytelling because it creates tension and keeps the audience engaged. It helps to frame the story in a way that makes it memorable and compelling. By introducing elements of conflict, tension, and surprise, a storyteller can make the narrative more interesting and hold the audience's attention. Drama also helps to convey the emotional depth and significance of the story.
The transformation of the gorilla cages at the Woodland Park Zoo in 1979 represented a significant shift in modern zoo history because it marked a move away from traditional, sterile, and confining environments to more natural and enriching habitats. This change was driven by the innovative and risky ideas of David Hancock, an architect who became the zoo director. Despite skepticism from the zoo community, the new environment allowed gorillas to exhibit more natural behaviors, leading to a more humane and ethical approach to animal welfare in zoos.
Robert Krulwich chose to slow down the narrative when describing Kiki the gorilla's first steps into the new environment to create a sense of anticipation and tension. By providing detailed and deliberate descriptions, he allowed the audience to fully experience the moment with the gorillas. This approach makes the story more engaging and immersive, as it captures the emotional and historical significance of the event.
Robert Krulwich, formerly of Radiolab, once said "how you write is basically who you are." It's a profound statement, a kind-of koan. It requires a little bit of thought. Krulwich can be that way. But, it leads to an essential question for anyone who writes: "Who are you as a storyteller?"