What is Storytelling ?
· They are pictures and pictures tell 1000 words
· Stories are a way to communicate facts
· People remember stories. . .
· Its a way to engage the listener with useful information.
· Stories traditionally have a beginning, a middle and an end… Usually with a solution , a message or a lesson in the end.
Why Do We Tell Stories ?
We tell stories to teach, to inspire, to engage and to connect with others on deeper levels.
Stories can be used to simply entertain or to brag,
Stories bring people together.
Stories provide guidance and can help us make sense of the world.
Stories can inspire people to take action.
Stories educate and spark curiosity.
Good stories are relatable to all readers and tap into emotions and experiences that most people undergo.Whether through inspiration, scandal, or humour, good stories stick in the reader’s mind
Listening to some of these stories may inspire you to share your own experiences and story with us or perhaps you will be inspired to retell the stories told by some of our participants. Either way, we’d love to hear from you .
Storytelling Techniques
We are programmed to internalize information most deeply when it’s presented as a story. The greatest teachers offer their best teaching as a narrative, not as a factual presentation.
There are three parts to any story narrative: Intro, the action and the ending.
The intro sets the scene. Where is the story taking place? Who are the characters? How does the world you are in look/feel/taste/smell? Describe this vividly.
The intro gives us a base. Allows the listener to understand what’s happening now and clues us into what’s about to happen next. We are settling into the world that is being created and inviting curiosity and intrigue in doing so.
We need to hook the listener / viewer / reader in straight away. Start strong and get them in quick.
Relatability + Value = Strong, compelling art.
The next thing any good story will have is moving, relevant and engaging action. This is the part where the characters interact and there is drama and development of characters . Conflict creates more emotion than anything else in life. Conflict doesn’t have to be heavy either. E.g. Where should I live? How am I gonna pay my rent?
Our finale / ending is a chance to educate or inspire. Conclude your story with a message or at the very least a feeling or question that you want to leave your listener with.
