DRAMA

In “Dragon, Dragon,” the dragon represented a challenge to each brother. Do you know a good story about facing a challenge? Tell an audience the story.

• 1 Plan Your Narrative Presentation To create the structure for your story, follow these steps:

  • • Plan an outline of the plot. Include what happened and when and why it happened. Use concrete language to move the plot along. Concrete language uses words that are direct and clear. They don’t require the listener to interpret them.

  • • Consider how you will capture listeners’ attention. You could start with a sentence that creates suspense or tension. For example: “Babysitting a three-year-old might not seem like a hard job, but Anthony wasn’t your typical three-year-old.”

  • • Use sensory details. Sensory details are words that appeal to listeners’ senses, such as: gurgling, mountain of bubbles, sweet vanilla perfume, etc. Sensory details give listeners something interesting to visualize and make the story memorable.

  NOT OK	BETTER
  I heard something. I took several slow steps toward the kitchen. Then I moved a little faster.	I heard water gurgling and smelled a sweet vanilla perfume. What was Anthony doing? I ran into the kitchen.

• 2 Practice Your Presentation

  • • Think of different ways to introduce the narrative. Ask a friend which introduction is the most interesting and why.

  • • Use your voice and gestures to show time or mood changes.

  • • Practice until you are familiar with your story.

• 3 Give Your Presentation Share your narrative with the class. Make eye contact. Stay relaxed but focused on the plot and important details. Speak loudly and clearly. Monitor your listeners’ interest as you speak. Do you need to make more eye contact or use more energy?