Teaches the Power of Storytelling 

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton Teaches the Power of Storytelling

LeVar Burton, the star of Roots and Emmy-winning host of Reading Rainbow, invites you to discover the power of storytelling. He shares how storytelling is an integral part of humanity and why it’s a critical tool of connectivity.

1. Meet Your Instructor 

Meet Your Instructor 

LeVar gives an overview of his life as a storyteller and explains why self-knowledge is key to telling any story.

2. Authentic Storytelling 

Authentic Storytelling 

Storytelling depends on a connection with your audience. In this lesson, LeVar shares techniques for engaging with a wide range of audiences.

3. Connect With Your Audience

Connect With Your Audience

The miniseries Roots was a revolutionary television event that changed the conversation around chattel slavery in America. LeVar discusses the empathetic impact of the miniseries and how narrative perspective is a powerful tool for change.

4. Case Study: Roots 

Case Study: Roots 

Oral storytelling is our legacy as humans. In this lesson, LeVar explores the significance of oral storytelling and its relationship to how we communicate today.

5. The Importance of Oral Storytelling

The Importance of Oral Storytelling

LeVar believes that what we imagine, we create. In this lesson, LeVar connects storytelling to the ability to imagine a better world.

6. The Imagination Is Our Superpower

The Imagination Is Our Superpower

LeVar reads an excerpt from his children’s book, The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, and shares techniques for connecting with young audiences through character voices, eyeline, visual cues, and prompts.

7. Case Study: Reading to Children

Case Study: Reading to Children

Public speaking can create anxiety, even for the most seasoned professional. LeVar breaks down the warm-up techniques and grounding exercises that help him prepare for a performance.

8. Performative Storytelling 

Performative Storytelling 

LeVar demonstrates specific techniques to help you communicate confidently with an adult audience.

9. Case Study: Reading to Adults 

Case Study: Reading to Adults 

Understanding storytelling can improve the way we communicate in everyday life. Learn how to clarify your message, set an intention, and use rhythm, pacing, and pause.

10. Make Your Communication More Impactful

Make Your Communication More Impactful

Similar to the radio plays of old, podcasting has reignited an interest in audio storytelling. LeVar performs a narrative reading and offers some technical pointers on how to start a podcast.

11. Case Study: Podcasting 

Case Study: Podcasting 

Carrying on the work of our mentors preserves their legacy. LeVar introduces a few of his storytelling heroes and speaks about how authenticity and integrity are essential to being a natural storyteller.

12. My Storytelling Heroes

My Storytelling Heroes

In his concluding lesson, LeVar emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling, including how stories can help you connect and empathize with others—and how boldly sharing your own truth makes the world better.

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