The Power of Storytelling: The Gateway to Connection, Understanding, and Transformation
“Sometimes reality is too complex. Stories give it form.” – Jean Luc Godard
I remember reading that people crave and seek out stories almost as much as food, clothing, and shelter. This is so true! I am a storyteller; always have been – always will be. It is the primary way I communicate, whether with my family, my clients, and/or even when helping people in need. I have heard an old saying over the years: “Those who tell stories rule the world.” Most ascribe that quote to Plato or the Hopi Native Americans, who both have many great insights over centuries. They know that storytelling is the best way to create the most influence on a community, and so do I. It is who I am. It resonates with my drive and desire for a better connection, understanding, and perspective and to captivate one’s imagination. I may not “rule the world,” but I sure enjoy sharing stories about it.
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Stories have been integral to human civilization and growth since the beginning. From ancient myths and legends to modern-day novels and films, storytelling has captivated our minds, hearts, and souls, serving as a powerful medium for communication, mentoring, perspective, and understanding. Beyond mere entertainment, storytelling is influential in shaping our views, building connections, mentoring, and transforming lives.
I pray that this article not only shares the power of storytelling but creates even more storytellers. We do not have enough, but I met a new one, Caden Conn, from Abilene Christian, who helped me with this wonderful article. This article will share some stories and quotes, delve into the profound impact of story-telling, and explore how it influences our families, companies, and communities – individually and collectively. There are many reasons why all should embrace, celebrate, and learn storytelling. Here are our thoughts.
STORYTELLING
“Stories are the communal currency of humanity.” – Thair Shah
1. Bridges the Gaps
I have a super son-in-law that is a consultant like myself. He worked with me for years and is quite good. Today, he practices at another well-respected consultancy and shares with me how the stories I used to communicate with him – and many of the clients we serviced together – that he is now the “storyteller.” It was delightful to listen to him as he shared how those coming up truly appreciate learning in this manner versus just reading a book or manual. I could only smile and be proud. Storytelling can remarkably bridge gaps and foster understanding between diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. Through stories, we can “step into the shoes of others,” experiencing their successes, failures, joys, sorrows, and struggles. By presenting alternative perspectives and challenging assumptions and biases, stories encourage empathy, compassion, and a much deeper understanding and perspective that allows us to feel and appreciate the multiple complexities of others’ experiences. It makes their story OURS!
Through this shared narrative, storytelling promotes inclusivity, breaks down barriers, and cultivates a sense of unity and community among people from all walks of life. It is inclusive, not exclusive; it invites rather than shuns and powerfully brings us together in a magnificent medium.
2. Escapism
Stories allow us to “escape” by transporting us to different worlds, times, and realities, offering an escape from our everyday lives. Storytelling allows us to explore new places, cultures, and perspectives and temporarily escape our reality momentarily. Years ago, while consulting with Cinemark – the cinema company based in Plano, Texas – the CEO and I started talking about the power of movies (stories) during times like the Great Recession in 2009. He shared that people still were coming to watch movies to “escape.” He was convinced that movies and storytelling were inelastic – or insensitive to economic changes – that stories and movies were critical when markets, communities, and families felt beaten down. And who doesn’t enjoy a “lift-me-up”? This is why escapism is so vital.
3. Captivating Hearts and Minds
Stories have an inherent ability to captivate our hearts and minds, transporting us to times gone by and distant lands by introducing us to characters that resonate deeply within us. Whether it’s books, movies, or verbal storytelling, it weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving an undeniable mark on our lives and souls. It also helps with enhancing focus and concentration. This is especially true when stories are shared with children and young adults. By immersing ourselves in narratives shared, we connect with the experiences and struggles of others and foster a deeper consciousness and understanding than would be otherwise available.
Interestingly, my wife and I just watched the movie “Oppenheimer.” Fascinatingly, the movie was not only a great story about Los Alamos and our atomic bomb but had a story within the story that has ties to my lineage – which, in turn, creates another opportunity for a story. My grandfather, Sanford Blamey, was the Chief Uranium Engineer who worked at Los Alamos and sadly would die years later due to the exposure from it. He was a true hero.
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” – Robert McKee
4. Inspires Change
Some of the most influential stories throughout history have sparked movements, challenged societal norms, and inspired change. From novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” to The Parable of the Talents in the Bible, from the book “1984” to one of my all-time favorites – Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream” – storytelling has been a catalyst for progress. Stories can raise awareness about important issues, ignite empathy and mobilize individuals, communities, and countries to action. Storytelling helps prepare us for better academic success and success in our career paths. Stories serve as a literal “call to arms,” urging us to address injustice, champion equality, and strive to be better as a human race. Stories in and of themselves are “change.”
5. Preservation of Culture and Traditions
Great stories are deeply entwined with both cultural heritage and traditions. Storytelling is a beautiful way of preserving and passing down traditions, beliefs, and values from one generation to the next. Oral traditions, folklore, and even exaggerated family histories can carry wisdom, history, and the identity of a family, a company, and entire communities. Through the blessings of storytelling, family memories, traditions, and cultural legacies are celebrated, shared, and preserved.
“Through the art of storytelling, we can preserve our heritage, educate future generations, and inspire change.”
– Phillip Humm
6. Emotional Resonance
“I’ll tell you a secret. Old storytellers never die. They disappear into their own story.”
– Vera Nazarian
That will be me – an old storyteller. And my hope is that my six daughters will continue to share all the stories that they have heard. Great stories also have the power to evoke profound emotional responses. They can make us laugh, cry, and/or experience a wide range of emotions within a single narrative. This emotional resonance is what makes stories memorable and impactful. At the Longnecker household, the story of my brother Tristan and I with Christmas lights never gets old and is best told when we both do it together from our point of view. All laugh, not just at the story but watching two brothers with different but hilarious perspectives about one event.
The stories we hear and read provide role models, offer insights into different aspects of life, and help us own our own experiences. They reflect our memories, hopes, dreams, and aspirations – ultimately influencing the path we choose to follow. Prayerfully, they make us feel blessed and grateful and can work against the tides of entitlement. By tapping into our emotions, stories create lasting impressions that get spliced in our DNA and deep within our lives. Whether it is a well-written novel, a fantastic film, a heartfelt personal anecdote, or just Tristan and myself having fun sharing our stories of growing up poor together (hot dog casserole, unique pizzas, rat traps, Lulu, etc.) – storytelling can make us more appreciative, move us, spark a deeper introspection, and most importantly inspire us to grow and enjoy the journeys we are on.
7. Shaping Identities
Stories also tend to shape our understanding of the world and our sense of self. From our childhood bedtime stories that fuel our imagination to the narrative we choose to identify with as adults, storytelling plays a pivotal role in developing how we look at ourselves in the mirror each day. The stories we hear and read provide role models, offer insights into different aspects of life, and help us have our own experiences. They reflect our memories, hopes, dreams, and aspirations – ultimately influencing the path we choose to follow, the choices we make, and the results we receive.
8. Mental and Emotional Relief
Finally, COVID has taken its toll on all of us – especially with respect to isolationism and mental health. Engaging in stories allows us to take a break from our concerns, stress, and worries. Storytelling is a different yet wonderful form of self-medication. There is something magical, healing, and fascinating about how when someone is telling a great story, everyone is locked in and captivated, resulting in the listener getting lost in the story. By immersing ourselves in captivating narratives, we can experience healing, a sense of relief, and mental rejuvenation. Stories can give us HOPE and bring us JOY!
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SUMMARY
In summation, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to touch our hearts, minds, and the depths of our souls. It illuminates the human experience and connects us in a wonderfully profound way. Storytelling stirs our imaginations, fuels our emotions, bonds us, and sparks future storytellers! The most powerful impact, though, is that it reminds us of our narratives, shared humanity, and limitless possibilities.
Storytelling is arguably one of our greatest treasures – so unlock it and enjoy.
“Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” – Ira Glass