Conclusion

Stories, songs, and poetry have been a natural combination since the beginning of human language. Together, they inspire, entertain, and provoke emotion. Storytelling, whether told through poetry, song, or recitation, must have an audience to make a difference. There is a give and take—an ebb and flow between the teller and the listener. The most effective storytellers know their audiences, and interact with them, making them a part of the story. In the wise words of storyteller, Diane Ferlatte, "Good storytellers observe the responses from their audience; responses tell the teller whether their storytelling is effective. You make your audience feel anything-- that's storytelling" (Ferlatte, 2000). The best stories that have been told through song and poetry through the ages have done just  that.