Speaking: Storytelling & Narrative Skills B2 - Lesson 3: Conveying Emotion & Atmosphere

Speaking: Storytelling & Narrative Skills B2 - Lesson 3: Conveying Emotion & Atmosphere

Welcome back! A truly great story does more than just state facts; it makes the listener *feel* something. The ability to convey1 character emotions and build a story's atmosphere2 is what separates a good storyteller from a great one. Today, you'll learn how to use language and your voice to create a powerful mood.

The Storyteller's Toolkit: Word Choice & Vocal Technique

To create a specific feeling, you need to use two main tools: the words you choose and the way you say them.

1. Creating Atmosphere with Word Choice

Use Sensory Adjectives: Words that appeal to the five senses are your best friends.
Instead of "a dark street," try "a shadowy, chilly street with the faint smell of damp leaves."
Use Strong Verbs: Choose verbs that have emotion built into them.
Instead of "the wind blew," try "the wind howled," "the wind whispered," or "the wind whipped." Each one creates a different feeling.

2. Conveying Emotion with Your Voice & Actions

Show, Don't Tell: Don't just name the emotion. Describe the physical evidence of it.
Instead of "He was nervous," try "His hands were trembling and a single drop of sweat trickled down his forehead."
Use Your Voice (Tone & Pace3): Your voice is your most powerful tool to create a mood.
To show excitement, speak faster with a higher tone4. To build tension or sadness, speak slower with a lower tone and use more pauses.

Scenario: The Same Story, Two Different Atmospheres

Let's tell a simple story—"I walked through the forest"—in two completely different ways to create two different moods.

Version 1: A Peaceful Atmosphere

"I wandered through the forest as the afternoon sun **filtered** through the canopy, creating a dappled, golden light on the path. The air was warm and smelled sweet, like honey and damp earth. A gentle breeze **rustled** the leaves above, and the only other sound was the distant, **melodious** chirping of birds. I felt a deep sense of tranquility."
(Words like 'wandered', 'filtered', 'gentle', 'melodious' and 'tranquility' create a calm, peaceful mood).


Version 2: A Tense / Scary Atmosphere

"I crept through the forest as the last light of day **faded**, plunging the path into deep, **menacing** shadows. The air grew cold and smelled stale, like decay. A sudden gust of wind made the bare branches **clatter** together like bones. Every snap of a twig behind me made my heart **pound** in my chest."
(Words like 'crept', 'menacing', 'clatter', and 'pound' create a tense, frightening mood).

Reading Your Audience

Storytelling is interactive. As you speak, pay attention to your listeners. Their body language will tell you if your story is having the intended effect.

  • Are they leaning in? This is a great sign! It means they are engaged and want to know what happens next.
  • Do their facial expressions match the story? Are they smiling during a funny part? Do they look concerned during a tense part? If so, you have successfully created the right atmosphere.
  • Do they look bored or confused? This is a signal to you. Maybe you need to increase your vocal variety, use more descriptive words, or clarify a point.
Practice Quiz: Identify the Feeling

Read the description and choose the emotion or atmosphere it best conveys.


1. "The enormous hall was silent except for the steady 'tick-tock' of a grandfather clock in the corner. Long, dark shadows stretched from the furniture, and a layer of dust covered every surface."

A) A lively and cheerful atmosphere.
B) A calm and relaxing atmosphere.
C) A tense and eerie atmosphere.

Answer: C. Words like "silent," "dark shadows," and "dust" create a feeling of tension, mystery, or neglect.


2. "When she heard the news, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. For a moment, she was speechless, simply staring at the ticket in her hand." What emotion is being SHOWN?

A) Sadness
B) Anger
C) Shock or disbelief

Answer: C. The physical reactions described (jaw dropped, eyes widened, speechless) are classic signs of shock and disbelief.

Your Mission: The Atmosphere Architect

Your mission is to practice building a specific atmosphere using language and your voice.

  1. Choose a simple, everyday place. For example, a rainy street in Phnom Penh, a quiet pagoda, or a busy night market.
  2. Choose ONE atmosphere you want to create for that place (e.g., `hectic`, `mysterious`, `joyful`, `serene`).
  3. Brainstorm 3-4 sensory words or phrases that fit your chosen mood. (e.g., For a `hectic` market: "the sizzle of street food," "a cacophony of shouting vendors," "the pungent aroma of prahok.")
  4. Record yourself for 60 seconds, describing the scene. Try to use your voice—your pace and tone—to match the atmosphere you are creating.

Vocabulary Glossary

  1. To Convey: (Verb) - ផ្សព្វផ្សាយ / បញ្ជូន - To communicate or make an idea, impression, or feeling understandable.
  2. Atmosphere: (Noun) - បរិយាកាស - The mood or feeling of a place or situation.
  3. Pace (of speech): (Noun) - ល្បឿន - The speed at which someone speaks.
  4. Tone (of voice): (Noun) - សំនៀង - The quality of a person's voice that expresses their feelings or thoughts.
  5. Sensory: (Adjective) - ទាក់ទងនឹងអារម្មណ៍ - Relating to the physical senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).

Post a Comment

Hi, please Do not Spam in Comment