"You have to figure out who the right person is to tell the story. And often, people who are very self-aware will only sound as if they are pontificating if they tell the story"

Ann Beattie's quote about storytelling delves into the intricacies of narrative viewpoint and the delicate balance between self-awareness and credibility. In the first part of the quote, "You have to figure out who the best person is to tell the story", Beattie highlights the crucial decision of choosing the storyteller or the viewpoint through which a story is communicated. This decision profoundly shapes how the story unfolds and how it resonates with the audience. The "ideal individual" isn't always the most knowledgeable or involved however the one who can deliver the story with fresh insight, credibility, or unique emotional engagement that maybe others can not.

The second part, "And typically, people who are really self-aware will only sound as if they are pontificating if they tell the story", provides an interesting paradox. Self-awareness is typically thought about a virtue, indicating depth of thought and self-questioning. Nevertheless, in storytelling, excessive self-awareness can backfire. A highly self-aware narrator may end up being overly worried about the effect of their words or how they are perceived, thereby accidentally distancing themselves from the psychological core of the narrative. This can lead to a tone that feels separated, preachy, or extremely analytical-- akin to pontificating.

Beattie's observation recommends that effective storytelling needs a balance between introspection and spontaneity. A narrator needs to be insightful and self-reflective without losing their connection to the real emotions and experiences at the heart of the story. Thus, sometimes an unassuming character or someone less burdened by self-awareness can offer a more engaging, relatable narrative voice. This insight motivates storytellers to think beyond apparent choices and to consider who amongst their characters or within themselves can convey the story in the most impactful, genuine manner. Ultimately, Beattie's quote is a tip that terrific storytelling typically emerges from unforeseen sources when the focus is shifted from the uneasy to the authentic.