Storytelling has been an integral part of our lives for centuries. From bedtime stories when we were children and storytime when we were in school, stories capture our attention, draw us in and regularly entertain and often inform us. It’s also how we pass down our culture, our values and our experiences to future generations. But beyond just being a way to share information, storytelling can also be a powerful tool for businesses and organizations. By unleashing the wisdom contained in their stories, leaders can better connect with their audiences, inspire action and drive results.
As a corporate communicator, I have a keen appreciation for storytelling. I believe that stories hold the key to unlocking wisdom, shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring action. They have the power to create an atmosphere where insights and lessons effortlessly emerge, and this is why I’m a student of storytelling. The Inuktitut language, which is an Indigenous language in North America, spoken in the Canadian Arctic, has a word for storyteller. “Isumatuq” beautifully captures the essence of this profound role: “the person who creates the atmosphere in which wisdom reveals itself.”
The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.
– Brandon Sanderson, American author of high fantasy and science fiction
The Power of Stories
Stories have a unique ability to transcend time, culture and boundaries. They tap into the universal aspects of human existence and address fundamental questions about life, love, purpose and ethics. Stories help us navigate the complexities of our own journeys and connect with the experiences of others. They foster empathy, challenge our perspectives, and inspire us to reflect and grow. By embracing the power of storytelling, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world—one where wisdom is shared, understood and cherished.
Telling Stories: Illuminating Wisdom
As both a student and practitioner of storytelling, my aim is to create an atmosphere where wisdom can reveal itself. That’s not our natural tendency, Ordinarily, we want to cut to the chase and quickly reveal the answer. But what’s the fun in that?! Additionally, it’s often counterproductive because sharing wisdom to someone who’s not open to hearing it will often be a waste of time and breath.
However, share a compelling story – especially one from our personal experience – and you have a better chance of connecting with your audience and getting your point across by allowing them to arrive at the conclusion on their own… often because you’ve effectively helped them see themselves in your story.
When I tell stories, I strive to engage my audience first emotionally, then intellectually and, at times, spiritually.
When sharing a story, connect to hearts first. Heads will follow.
– Al Viller
What’s incredibly interesting is that studies have shown that people synchronize their physiology when listening attentively to stories. For example, when you’re in a deep conversation with a friend who’s telling you a compelling story, your heart rate and breathing may synchronize to match theirs. Research suggests that this kind of synchronization can happen when sharing an experience with several others, and new research suggests that it doesn’t even have to be in person for syncing to happen.
Through vivid descriptions, relatable characters and thought-provoking plots, you can create a space where insights can effortlessly emerge. By sharing stories that resonate with the human experience, particularly your own, you invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and discover the wisdom embedded within the narrative. It’s in these moments that stories become instructions for living.
The Structure of a Good Story
When it comes to crafting captivating stories, there are several popular story structures to consider. These structures help guide the narrative, establish a sense of coherence and build emotional arcs that keep audiences engaged.
One example is Pixar’s story structure, which is widely recognized and praised for its ability to resonate with viewers of all ages. Pixar’s structure typically consists of an engaging setup that introduces the protagonist’s world, a call to adventure or conflict that sets the story in motion, a series of escalating challenges and obstacles, a turning point or revelation that leads to personal growth and a concluding resolution that ties everything together.
Dig Deeper => Watch Storytelling Structure: The Pixar Story Spine
Another notable story structure is Joey Reiman’s approach, which emphasizes the power of emotion and connection in storytelling. He suggests that every great story has a simple arc—Once upon a time, suddenly, luckily and happily ever after. I used this approach when sharing my Personal Journey with Cancer.
This structure focuses on creating relatable characters with clear desires and motivations. It usually begins with a relatable and sympathetic protagonist facing a defining moment or conflict. As the story progresses, the protagonist encounters setbacks and undergoes personal growth, driven by their emotional journey. The climax then amplifies these emotional stakes, leading to a transformative resolution that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Dig Deeper => Watch A story of purpose | Joey Reiman | TEDxEmory
Simon Sinek articulated another story structure that’s particularly effective for brands, companies and organizations. Start with Why offers a way of communicating that gives leaders the ability to inspire those around them.
These are just three examples of a vast variety of story structures available. Each structure offers a unique framework for crafting compelling narratives, allowing storytellers to unleash their creativity while ensuring an engaging and satisfying experience for their audience.
You Don’t Have Any Stories? Rubbish!
Tell me a story. “Who me?” Your mind goes blank; your mouth gets dry. You may think, “I got nothin’.”
That’s just not true. We live our lives and many interesting, funny, sad, exciting, [insert emotion here], things happen. We just don’t capture them, so we don’t remember them. Life goes on.
If you want to become a better storyteller, I suggest creating a Story Bank. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simply capture the essence of the story in the application or notebook of your choice. Recently, I turned to Microsoft OneNote because I like how it allows me to organize my stories. It also has a mobile version so I can capture my stories using my iPhone’s microphone and go back and edit and organize them later.
To clarify, a Story Bank isn’t a journal. While both capture stories, journals are for personal growth and reflection. Story Banks capture stories that you’re willing to share with others. For me, they work in tandem. A journal entry may turn into a Story Bank entry after some time passes and you realize the wisdom your experience revealed.
For your best stories, develop both a short and long version. Having both enables you to vary the length of your story based on the audience and time you have to share it.
The Journey of Studying Storytelling
For me, studying storytelling is an ongoing journey of exploration and learning. It involves immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of tales from different cultures, genres and time periods. By analyzing the techniques, structures, and symbolism employed in various narratives, we unravel the intricacies of storytelling. This pursuit allows us to understand how stories are carefully crafted to evoke emotions, convey meaning and reveal timeless wisdom. It’s through studying storytelling that we gain insights into the art of creating profound and impactful narratives.
Parting Thoughts
Studying storytelling and telling stories aren’t my only pastimes, but they’re ones that I’ve found have transformative powers. Stories allow us to delve into the rich heritage of narratives, uncover profound insights and create meaningful connections with others.
Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.
– Robert McKee, author, lecturer and story consultant
As an isumatuq, a storyteller, we strive to cultivate an atmosphere in which wisdom reveals itself. Through the art of storytelling, we can capture the essence of our collective humanity, inspire personal growth and foster a more enlightened and compassionate society. So, let’s embrace the magic of stories and continue our journey of discovering wisdom through the powerful medium of storytelling.
You’re unique. And regardless of your background, profession, role, gender or age, you have stories to tell. Through storytelling, we have the profound ability to make a positive impact on someone’s life; to expand their horizons or influence their perspectives, and in doing so change the world. Be courageous. Be generous. Share your stories with the world and inspire on!
Related Resources:
- Your ultimate guide on how to be a good storyteller, (9 tactics to be a good storyteller)
- Storytelling with Impact, Mark Lovett
- Storytelling that moves people (Harvard Business Review)
- TED Talks about Storytelling