April 27 is National Tell A Story Day when people are encouraged to promote the art of storytelling and to share experiences and perspectives. The stories can be fiction or non-fiction, folklore or tall tales.

Storytelling is important because stories can transport us to another time or place, entertain us, pass along family history and tradition and record history.

Storytelling has a powerful influence to teach and inspire others. It can forge connections among and between people. Telling a story also activates regions of the brain responsible for sensory perception.

Stories can be told to family members or groups. Whether speaking to a family group or a large group, the teller has the opportunity to communicate information and emotions.

I suspect few readers are familiar with National Tell A Story Day. I also suspect many would not wish to present to a group. Many have glossophobia, the fear of public speaking.

My first opportunity to tell a story came in April 1946 when I was in fourth grade. My mother had informed school administrators that my brother and I were not returning the following year because we were moving to Alaska. My teacher thought that I should tell the class about the upcoming journey. I was a quiet student, seldom speaking up in class. I was terrified and gave a terrible presentation.

In past columns, I have mentioned Toastmasters. For many years I was a member of the local Toastmasters (South County Toastmasters) club’s speakers bureau. This allowed me to speak to civic groups, nonprofit organizations, senior citizens and students.

I had presentations available on several subjects. A popular presentation in March was on the life of St. Patrick. Another presentation to civic groups and students was on the great documents that forged the concept of democracy from the signing of the Magna Carta by King John of England to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

As an attorney, I had a presentation available on how one could proceed through the Small Claims Court without an attorney, and as a former legislator, I had a presentation on practical politics. I have spoken to organizations on parliamentary procedure.

Participating in the speakers bureau allowed me to improve my presentation skills and also to provide a service to entities in need of a speaker. Storytelling is a powerful tool. Don’t overlook the opportunity to pass along to family, friends and entities your stories.