Storyteller, Vickie Raabin, a.k.a., “Miss Vickie” speaking during the Mount’s Library Week program.
Renowned storyteller and musician, Vickie Raabin, also known as “Miss Vickie,” opened her program at Mount Saint Mary College on April 6, by asking those in attendance, “what is a seed?”
Miss Vickie’s program was part of the Mount’s annual Library Week celebration. Her session was attended by students, faculty members, and administrators.
Miss Vickie demonstrated various techniques she uses to engage audiences of all ages by using movement, props, and the tone of her voice. “A key to storytelling is knowing the backstory” she said. “The backstory is as important as knowing the story you are telling. The backstory is where your tale is formed.”
She told the Native American tale of the bear’s race with the turtle and demonstrated how a storyteller can modulate their voice effectively, switching from a booming voice to almost an inaudible whisper, but still keep an audience engaged. “When putting a program for children together, you have to know your story, you can’t have a long break, and have to always keep something moving. When you have their attention and are keeping children engaged, you can speak quietly and not lose them.”
For the record, the seeds, as Miss Vickie explained, are possibilities. “Each seed, like every child, is a possibility. When you go out and teach children, you have to remember that every one of them is a possibility. Your story, your words, your interaction can inspire them in ways you may never expect.”