The Singing Scoutmaster: Hone Your Skills

Why Hone Your Skills?

Leading songs and telling stories are more than just fun activities—they are powerful tools for developing communication, leadership, and creativity. These skills help build confidence, captivate audiences, and foster a sense of community. Whether you're rallying Scouts around a campfire or teaching valuable life lessons through stories, your ability to engage and inspire can leave a lasting impact.

By honing your song-leading and storytelling skills, you'll learn to create memorable experiences that entertain, educate, and connect people. These abilities will serve you in countless situations, from public speaking to team leadership, making them invaluable both in Scouting and in life.

Dive into the tips and techniques below to strengthen these essential skills and make your campfire moments unforgettable!

Tips For Leading Songs

• Songs can create enthusiasm or set a quiet and serious mood.
• Relax, have fun and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to smile!
• Have available a variety of songs suitable to the age group and know them well.
• A campfire should be fun for all, not a chance for a few to show off!
• Musical accompaniment is nice but not necessary.
• Take a minute to find the right pitch for a song before starting. If you find the pitch is wrong, don't be afraid to change it.
• Elaborate arm movements are not necessary, but body language and simple motions stir up enthusiasm and keep the group together.
• For a campfire or other events, plan a sequence of songs in advance so there are no gaps in the program.
• Match the songs to the program, lively songs to keep energy high, action songs to help get the wiggles out of the audience, quieter songs as the program comes to a close.
• Don't ask them what they want to sing; sometimes, it's better to just tell them what to sing as the songs they choose may not be appropriate.
• Don't over do a good thing; know when to stop.
• Pick a song or two that become "your song."
  • Good staff members become known for "their song."
  • Most importantly, let other staff have "their song," to spread the enthusiasm.
• The more they sing the more they will enjoy it. Sing every chance you get!
• Remember, if your spirit to teach is low, then so is their spirit to learn.
• Keep your sense of humor. You don't have to have a concert-quality voice to enjoy singing. Even a cracked note can add to the fun if you don't take it personally.
• Enthusiasm. Remember, "Enthusiasm can't be taught, it has to be caught!" Get into it!
• If you are having trouble getting kids to sing, consider making it a competition by splitting up the group and pitting one group against the other for "most enthusiastic"
  • I like making this side "group 1" and this side "group (pause) B"

Tips For Teaching New Songs

• To teach a song, sing a line and have the group sing it back to you. Sometimes the tune may take some practice.
• Remember to include songs that everyone can sing:
• familiar songs
• echo songs (Repeat After Me)
• songs with easy choruses
• songs to familiar tunes
• Repeat-After-Me-style songs are great to teach because they have shorter verses, taught one line at a time.
• Write the words in large print on sheets that are held down front (some use window shade material, vinyl or laminated poster board so words are waterproof and can be used again).

Tips For Teaching Rounds

Rounds provide a good introduction to singing in parts. Because they are "team singing" they help the unsure singer learn her part. It is advisable to teach a round first as a regular song and only after the group is familiar with the song to try it in rounds.

In presenting rounds:

• First have the entire group sing through the entire song together until you feel that they know it.
• Divide the group into the number of parts needed.
• Try to put a strong singer or song leader with each of the parts.
• Be sure that the group knows how many times through to sing the round: usually this is as many times as there are parts. Sometimes, the song/round is sung until some task is completed.
• Cue each part as indicated in the round.
• For a different "finish" you can have each group hold their part when the group reaches the end of the round. In this way, the round will end with a pleasing chord conclusion.

Tips For Telling Stories

1. Know Your Audience
• Tailor your stories to the age group and interests of your audience. Younger scouts might enjoy whimsical tales, while older ones might appreciate more complex narratives.
2. Create Atmosphere
• Set the mood by describing the surroundings, the crackling of the fire, and the night sky. Engaging all the senses helps immerse your audience in the story.
3. Build Tension
• Introduce suspense and build anticipation. Use pauses and changes in tone to create a sense of drama. This keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
4. Use Vivid Descriptions
• Paint a vivid picture with your words. Help your audience visualize the characters, settings, and actions. This enhances the overall experience of the story.
5. Incorporate Personal Experiences
• Share personal anecdotes or experiences related to the theme of the story. Real-life stories can be especially captivating and relatable.
6. Vary Your Tone and Pace
• Keep your storytelling dynamic by varying your tone and pace. Speed up during exciting parts and slow down during moments of reflection or suspense.
7. Involve the Audience
• Encourage audience participation by asking questions, seeking opinions, or even inviting them to contribute to the story. This creates a more interactive and engaging experience.
8. Know Your Story
• Practice your story beforehand so you're familiar with its flow. This helps you maintain confidence and ensures you won't stumble over your words.
9. Include a Lesson or Moral
• Many traditional stories have a moral or lesson. Consider incorporating one into your narrative, especially if you're telling stories in a scouting context.
10. Be Animated
• Use facial expressions, gestures, and body language to enhance your storytelling. Your enthusiasm will naturally draw in your audience.
11. Keep it Appropriate
• Be mindful of your audience's age and sensitivities. Ensure that your stories are age-appropriate and align with the values of the scouting community.
12. Practice Makes Perfect
• The more you practice storytelling, the more comfortable and effective you'll become. Experiment with different stories and styles to find what works best for you.

Becoming a Great Storyteller

Becoming a great storyteller is a rewarding journey that combines practice, creativity, and understanding of your audience. Whether you're telling campfire tales, family anecdotes, or performing at events, these tips will help you start and improve:

• Know Your Stories: Start simple with short, familiar stories like fables or tall tales, and build up to longer narratives. Choose stories you love, as your enthusiasm will shine through.
• Learn the Structure: Every great story has a clear structure:
  • Beginning: Introduce characters, setting, and conflict.
  • Middle: Build tension or excitement.
  • End: Resolve the conflict or surprise your audience with a twist.
• Master Delivery: Practice storytelling out loud, vary your voice and tone, and use gestures to enhance the story. Make eye contact and engage your audience with rhetorical questions or pauses for effect.
• Practice Regularly: Tell stories to friends and family or at small gatherings. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement, and turn real-life events into compelling narratives.
• Learn from Others: Watch skilled storytellers at events or online. Listen to podcasts like The Moth or StoryCorps, and read aloud to improve your rhythm and timing.
• Adapt for Your Audience: Tailor the story’s length, tone, and content to your listeners. Add humor and relatable details to keep them engaged.
• Build a Repertoire: Collect a variety of stories, such as fables, myths, personal anecdotes, and tall tales. Categorize them by mood and occasion to ensure you're always prepared.
• Start Small, Then Grow: Begin with family gatherings or community events, and gradually build confidence to perform for larger audiences.
• Make It Your Own: Add your personality, humor, and unique details to make the story memorable and engaging.
• Utilize Resources: Explore books like The Storyteller's Start-Up Book by Margaret Read MacDonald or podcasts such as The Moth and StoryCorps. Look for local workshops or online platforms to practice.

By practicing and sharing stories consistently, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to captivate any audience. Your journey will be full of fun, connection, and creativity—happy storytelling!