Category: 
November 3, 2008I grew up with the word “nifty” as a standard descriptor in my vocabulary. It alluded to the uniqueness and stylishness of the subject being described. As I grew older I heard the word being used in a wider range of topics: a nifty song, a nifty concert, a nifty evening out. Even later, the word took on a more cultured definition in reference to poems, books, and, of course, nifty stories.
Whenever I heard the word I assumed it meant something good, something attractive. Still, I did not really define the word until I found myself using it to refer to the stories I tell to audiences and on recordings. Actually, I hit the books when a listener said my stories were nifty. The Merriam/Webster Dictionary definition states: “very good, very attractive,” etymology unknown, originally used in 1865. The standard reference Compact Oxford Dictionary states: “particularly good, effective, or stylish.”
What was my listener describing when he called my stories “nifty?” The stories I tell always have a message, a lesson, a bit of perspective, and they are, indeed, particularly good and rather effective at making their point. To me, nifty stories are a blend of entertainment and education, or what some call “edutainment.” There needs to be a message beyond a witty punch line.
Any story with a moral at the end sends the listener a clear message. It teaches by example. On the other hand, many stories are not so obvious in the lessons they offer. The meaning is hidden in the actions of the characters. Listeners are left to figure out the message for themselves. And there may be a different message for each listener. Stories such as these are inclined to be more widely popular. The subtler lessons tend to come from longer tales. Epic stories have many layered lessons Just compare a tale from the Arabian Nights to a fable by Aesop to see the difference. Which one appeals to you? My personal penchant is for finding my own lessons when I listen to a story. Check out my World Full of Stories and Fables in Four Minutes CDs for some examples of nifty stories with more subtle lessons.
Nifty stories are stories that teach. Nifty stories appeal to a broad audience. Nifty stories travel beyond the culture from which they originate. Nifty stories are always stylish, regardless of the era that spawned them. Stories such as these hold the listener’s attention long enough to send their message effectively. Nifty stories are worth their weight in gold!
Horaayy..there are 49 comment(s) for me so far ;)
I got a ton out of this post.
This was a great read. This info will be helpful.
com. Go to the “Listen” page on the site and you will surely discover a number of stories with relevant messages. “The Egg Seller” and “Herschel and the Wedding” from the World Full of Stories CD are good examples of inspirational stories. From the CD Parking in Manhattan, “Service with a Smile” brings a great message to the listener. Long after they are told, inspirational stories stay in the memory.
Keep posting.
I found this very helpful. I will use this info.
This kind of story is generally attractive to a wider audience. The subtler lessons tend to come from longer tales. One can learn many lessons from epic stories. Just compare a tale from the Arabian Nights to a fable by Aesop to see the difference. Which one do you prefer to hear? Personally, I like to find my own message when listening to a story.
I found this very helpful.
One great gift I have found is a memorable story. And it is suitable for children of all ages. A CD full of stories will provide hours of pleasure. Imagine the trip around the world your progeny can take on the wings of a story!
My “Recordings” page on this website lists three story CDs. Fables in Four Minutes is a collection of ten stories, each one representing a different storytelling genre.
You should write more. Thank You.
This was a great site.
Keep the great blog posts coming.
Why seek out inspirational stories? For one thing, we experience a deluge of information and news on a daily basis. Next, we live lives that leave no room for reflection. And without time to reflect, how can we develop insight into the affairs of the day? This is where inspirational stories serve us well. Inspirational stories give listeners something to chew on. They offer something to think about.
Liked your blog a ton. I found this helpful.
This kind of story is generally attractive to a wider audience. The subtler lessons tend to come from longer tales. Epic stories have many layered lessons Think of the difference between an Aesop fable and a tale from the Arabian Nights. Which one gives you more freedom to choose your own message? Personally, I like to find my own message when listening to a story. The stories I chose for my Fables in Four Minutes and World Full of Stories CDs are good examples of nifty stories with subtle messages.
It teaches by example. However, the lessons in many other stories may not be as obvious. The characters may act out the meaning of the story. It is up to the listener to decipher the message. And different listeners will carry away different messages.
Perhaps it gives a hint of direction. It might even state a moral. It doesn’t really matter what name you give to this elusive quality; it is more important that the stories I tell possess it.
Even when I was growing up, I found myself deeply touched by inspirational stories. I heard similar stories from my mother and my grandfather.
A memorable story is that kind of gift. And it is suitable for children of all ages. Think of all the pleasurable hours an entire CD of stories can provide. Imagine the trip around the world your progeny can take on the wings of a story!
You can find three CDs listed on the “Recordings” page of my website. Fables in Four Minutes contains ten wonderful stories from ten different storytelling genres.
I will use this site in the future. Your blog is great.
Where was this site when I needed it? Your blog is great.
Many world stories are insightful. Often world stories are inscrutable. Generally world stories contain lessons. All world stories entertain.
Regardless of their intent, all world stories express deep bonds with the fabric of a country and culture.
Inspirational stories give listeners something to chew on. They give us something to consider. Something that points us a bit closer to our “true north. ” Something that offers a little perspective to life.
Looking for inspiration? At http://www.
“Service with a Smile” on my Parking in Manhattan CD offers the listener a great hidden lesson. I find that inspirational stories stick in the memory long after they are told. I am even inspired by the inspirational stories I tell!
The world of today is a fast moving, complex world. We all need a bit of “inner” direction to guide us as we cruise down the highway of life. Inspirational stories help keep us on the road.
I will be reading more soon. Awesome.
Some world stories are downright funny. Other world stories are mysterious. Many world stories are insightful. Often world stories are inscrutable. Generally world stories contain lessons.
You can also find many examples of priceless humor in world stories. These stories always bring gales of laughter when they are told. Two good examples from my CD Fables in Four Minutes are “Rock Soup” and “Herschel in the Woods” Listen to “The Egg Seller” or “Hickory Dock” from World Full of Stories. There are many similar examples of priceless humor from virtually every country on the planet. These stories will stick with you long after you heard them.
Stories such as these are inclined to be more widely popular. The subtler lessons tend to come from longer tales. One can learn many lessons from epic stories. Think of the difference between an Aesop fable and a tale from the Arabian Nights. Which one do you prefer to hear? My personal penchant is for finding my own lessons when I listen to a story.
Check out the humorists of history. Mark Twain Ogden Nash. Storytellers all. Priceless humor their brush.
Priceless humor.
Very helpful stuff here.
Have a nice day.
Stay out of the dark forest! Keep away from wild animals! Avoid strangers! Then again, many folktales tell of reward and happy endings. Good is eternally pitted against evil. One can discover the Golden Rule in most plots. Regardless of genre, any worthy world story can be applied to contemporary life. And that’s where modern day storytelling has a place.
As a child I found deep meaning in inspirational stories. I heard similar stories from my mother and my grandfather. Occasionally a teacher would tell a story that meant a great deal to me. I was surprised to find how memorable those stories were. The messages stuck in the memory, too.
And it is suitable for children of all ages. Think of all the pleasurable hours an entire CD of stories can provide. Think of the glimpse it can give into cultures and customs from countries around the world.
You can find three CDs listed on the “Recordings” page of my website. Fables in Four Minutes is a collection of ten stories, each one representing a different storytelling genre.
There needs to be a message beyond a witty punch line.
Any story with a moral at the end sends the listener a clear message. It teaches by example. On the other hand, many stories are not so obvious in the lessons they offer. The characters may act out the meaning of the story.
Modern society is a far cry from rural villages, yet the stories ring true regardless.
Some world stories are humorous. Other world stories are mysterious. Many world stories are full of insight. Often world stories are inscrutable.
I keep lots of memories from the days when I was a young parent. Not only those high points, but those exasperating moments as well. One of them involves purchasing gifts for my children. Gifts for the holidays. Gifts for birthdays.
Two good examples of inspirational stories are “The Egg Seller” and “Herschel and the Wedding” from my CD World Full of Stories. From the CD Parking in Manhattan, “Service with a Smile” brings a great message to the listener. I find that inspirational stories stick in the memory long after they are told. In fact, the inspirational stories I tell even inspire me!
We live in a complex, fast moving world. As we head on down the highway of life, we can all use a little direction to guide us.
I will tell my friends about this site.
Glad i found this. Thank You.
Helpful blog. Great info at this blog.
Found you blog great.
Mark Russell. Russell Baker. Check out the humorists of history. Moliere. Henry Fielding Storytellers all.
Helpful blog. Great day dude.
Your blog is really packed with great information.
Actually, I hit the books when a listener said my stories were nifty. The current Wiktionary defines the word as “good; a general term for anything that is good, useful or beneficial. ” The standard reference Compact Oxford Dictionary states: “particularly good, effective, or stylish. ”
What’s so nifty about nifty stories? The stories I tell always have a message, a lesson, a bit of perspective, and they are, indeed, particularly good and rather effective at making their point. You could say that my idea of nifty stories is stories that enlighten as well as entertain.
I read your blog every day.
You could say that my idea of nifty stories is stories that enlighten as well as entertain. There needs to be a message beyond a witty punch line.
Any story with a moral at the end sends the listener a clear message. It teaches by example. On the other hand, many stories are not so obvious in the lessons they offer.
What makes priceless humor? There is a simple answer to this question. Priceless humor involves situations which most of us have experienced. The missed appointment. The comic situation. The consequences that follow are generally laughable.
The questioning minds of preliterate villagers found apt expression through stories of magic and mystery. Many folktales were cautionary tales with lessons for avoiding catastrophe. Do not go into the deep, dark woods! Steer clear of wild beasts! Avoid strangers! Then again, many folktales tell of reward and happy endings. Good and evil are eternal foes. One can discover the Golden Rule in most plots.
Priceless humor their brush.
Priceless humor. what makes it priceless? There is a simple answer to this question. Priceless humor revolves about common everyday experiences. The lost keys.