Understanding Storytelling: Types, Expressions, and Humor

Storytelling Definitions

• Plot: The main sequence of events in a play, novel, or film.
• Biographical sketch: An account dealing with a particular person's life.
• Fake: A person or thing that is not genuine.
• Myth: A widely held but false belief.
• Tall story: An account that is fanciful and difficult to believe.
• Fairy tale: A story, typically of a magical or idealized nature, often for children.
• Legend: A traditional story popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated.
• Anecdote: A short, entertaining story about a real incident or person.
• Punch line: The culmination of a joke or story, providing the humor or climax.
• Joke: Something said or done to cause amusement.

Common Storytelling Expressions

• Tell a white lie
• Spreading rumors
• Be a bit of a gossip
• Prone to exaggerations
• Elaborate hoax: Detailed and complicated lies that can be humorous or malicious.
• Good storytellers: People who tell very good stories.
• Bedtime stories: Stories told to someone to help them fall asleep.

Synonyms for Storytelling and Beyond

• Combat: Fight
• Drastic measures: Extreme actions
• Deal with: Face or be occupied by
• Detained: Arrested
• Loaded: Packed
• Purchased: Bought
• Keep track of: Follow the movements
• Considered: Believed
• Placing: Putting
• Initiated: Inaugurated or started
• Talks: Formal discussions
• Settle: Resolve, conclude
• Led to: Developed to or caused
• Claims: Asserts
• Prevent: Obstruct
• Arises: Stems from
• Pretending: Faking
• Prominent: Well-known and usually well-respected
• Isolated: Alone
• Fictitious: Imagined, invented
• Vital: Extremely important
• Liberated: Freed
• Extend: Expand
• Ancient: Extremely old
• Destroy: Ruin
• Tragic: Extremely sad
• Hoax: A big, elaborate trick
• Fooled: Tricked

Compound Words Describing Personality Traits

• Single-mindedly: When someone never gives up on something.
• Self-sufficient: Independent; someone that looks after themselves.
• Thick-skinned: Emotionally strong, tough.
• Kind-hearted: Generous and very nice.
• Stand-offish: Unfriendly and aloof.
• Career-oriented: Thinking only of your career.
• Level-headed: Calm, relaxed (keeping your feet on the ground).
• Absent-minded: Distracted, forgetful.

Types of Humor in Storytelling

• Surreal: Bizarre humor.
• Farce: A series of things go wrong, and the situation gets funnier and funnier.
• Cartoons
• Black humor: Jokes about death and other serious issues.
• Puns: Wordplay.
• Irony: Not saying exactly what you mean, or saying the opposite of it.
• Exaggerations: Saying something is much more than it is.
• Satire: Laughing at politicians and important people.