Tips to Try
Tips for Eliab's Bad Day
told by Michael Forestieri
The Takeaway:
I suggest approaching this telling as a contrast between two brothers. They are both present in all the major scenes of this epic conflict; however, they differ in their backgrounds, character, and ultimately, their responses. Eliab has an impressive physique but lacks the heart God is seeking. David is not physically impressive but has a deep relationship with the Lord. Yes, Goliath is important, but keep the contrast of Eliab and David in the foreground of your performance at all times. Notice how I abbreviate the battle between David and Goliath to include only the words that show where David was coming from. This is a story of how we can succeed in the face of adversity by having a right heart and relationship with God.
Differentiate the Characters:
As you watch the video, note the physicality of each character. Establish a unique stance, voice, or at least an attitude specific to each speaker in order to keep things clear for your audience.
Memory hooks:
Memory hooks (repeated words, phrases, or themes) help to make a story unforgettable. The theme of “a bad day,” is repeated throughout and it forms the last line which itself is set in contrast to how this day is viewed by others. “Who do you think you are?” is spoken over David several times and is given a twist at the end of the story as Saul exclaims, “Who…who is he?”
Making use of silence, facial expressions, and gestures:
Your words are not the only part of your performance, nor are they the major part. Your facial expressions, gestures, body posturing, and dramatic pauses convey much. They also give your audience time to engage their imagination, painting a vivid picture of David, Eliab, and others in the story along with the appropriate emotions in each scene.
Focal-Eyes:
Focus with your eyes on people and things within your story to give them spatial location within the room. In this way, you create the lines of the two armies, the deep valley, and the difference in size between little David and huge Goliath.
Pacing:
OK, so I rushed this telling a bit, but hey, it’s a long story and I had to stay within my time limits during the chapel time. Nonetheless, you can play with your rate of speech and even cut out certain items to suit the time you have to tell.
Practical Application:
After I told this story at chapel, the middle and high school students broke into small groups. Leaders went down a list of discussion questions including: How and why did Eliab react differently than David to the various situations portrayed? What does a life with a heart for God look like? What are major issues you are facing in life? How do you handle them? How would your life look submitted to God?
Enjoy!
Michael Forestieri
Don’t forget to check out our ‘Story of the Month’ as well
Check out the past five months of stories and tips