Emmy winner and Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton teaches you his techniques for more dynamic, authentic storytelling.
Where to Watch LeVar Burton Teaches the Power of Storytelling
13 Episodes
Meet Your Instructor
E1
Meet Your InstructorLeVar 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.
Authentic Storytelling
E2
Authentic StorytellingLeVar gives an overview of his life as a storyteller and explains why self-knowledge is key to telling any story.
Connect With Your Audience
E3
Connect With Your AudienceStorytelling depends on a connection with your audience. In this lesson, LeVar shares techniques for engaging with a wide range of audiences.
Case Study: Roots
E4
Case Study: RootsThe 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.
The Importance of Oral Storytelling
E5
The Importance of Oral StorytellingOral storytelling is our legacy as humans. In this lesson, LeVar explores the significance of oral storytelling and its relationship to how we communicate today.
The Imagination Is Our Superpower
E6
The Imagination Is Our SuperpowerLeVar believes that what we imagine, we create. In this lesson, LeVar connects storytelling to the ability to imagine a better world.
Case Study: Reading to Children
E7
Case Study: Reading to ChildrenLeVar 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.
Performative Storytelling
E8
Performative StorytellingPublic 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.
Case Study: Reading to Adults
E9
Case Study: Reading to AdultsLeVar demonstrates specific techniques to help you communicate confidently with an adult audience.
Make Your Communication More Impactful
E10
Make Your Communication More ImpactfulUnderstanding 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.
Case Study: Podcasting
E11
Case Study: PodcastingSimilar 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.
My Storytelling Heroes
E12
My Storytelling HeroesCarrying 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.
Who Tells Your Story
E13
Who Tells Your StoryIn 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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