What is the most memorable method of communication? A good old-fashioned story, of course!
Whether it’s through hieroglyphics, parables, fairy tales, or fables, a good story is the deepest way to connect the head to the heart.
Storytelling is a cherished tradition and an entertaining and effective way to convey information about almost any subject.
Walk into any classroom and you’ll find teachers educating their students with stories. Walk into a major corporation and you’ll find high-profile CEOs expressing thoughts, opinions, and facts to their employees with stories. Wherever you go, storytelling is a powerful means of communication.
Why Should You Tell Stories?
Each of us has a desire, and perhaps even a need, to tell and hear stories.
You learn to understand others at a deeper level. In sharing stories with others, and listening to their stories, a common level of understanding is formed. You come to see yourself as part of a larger human community composed of individuals – and appreciate both the differences and similarities you share.
You can convey your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through stories. By doing so, you’re verbally expressing the things you value, the customs you take part in, and the wisdom you’ve acquired in life.
You can overcome feelings of isolation and develop a stronger connection with others. Have you ever felt that you didn’t have anything interesting to share? Well, there are many stories within you, just waiting to be told!
Characteristics of Good Storytellers
Notice a few characteristics common to good storytellers
1. Their presence is prominent. They capture the attention of the audience, whether it’s a small group of friends or a large crowd. They speak clearly from their power with passion and confidence.
2. They connect with their audience. They make a connection on an emotional level. They understand their audience: who they are, what they desire, why they’re there, and how to speak to them – using tone, language and even attire appropriate to their audience.
3. They interact with their audience. Audience involvement is a simple technique that speakers use when sharing stories. Storytellers might ask questions, set up activities, or have someone share their experiences. This keeps the audience tuned in as they become part of the story.
4. They teach. No, not by lecturing, but by embedding the lesson within the story itself. Stories that present both a situation and a solution (or moral) offer deeper meanings that the audience can identify with and apply in their own lives.
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Remember the power in stories. When telling stories, you
*connect with people on deeper levels celebrating their life experiences,
*convey your values and experiences and
*create new relationships and a greater understanding of our common humanity.
Resources
International Storytelling Center
How to Speak From Your Power With the Art of Liberessence | Cindy Ashton | TEDxButler
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