joyful!

My Dear Creatives,

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication.

From one person to another, stories pass from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters, from fathers to sons, from friend to friend or any combination of the above and then some. We call them fables, fairy tales, family histories and gossip! But whatever we call them, we all know them. 

We know the stories that are handed down to us and which we, in turn, hand down to others. What is significant is that they are indelibly marked on our collective psyche. We never forget them. And they live on because we share them one with another.  Most everyone knows about … 

• Rosa Parks and the bus… 
• The story of Cinderella… 
• Saving Private Ryan or  your  grandfather’s stories of WWII...
• The “ I Have A Dream”  speech… 
• The Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery… 
• A President chopping down a cherry tree…

And  doesn't everyone have a story about some scandal involving *"Great Aunt Agnes, a Boston Terrier and her dentures" which occurred back in the 19^th century but which is known by everyone in the family?

It’s because of this innate understanding of stories and the ability to relate to them, that storytelling is such an effective tool for training and education. Why? From them we can tell, share, grow and learn . We can show how we are different and how we are the same. We can give examples of things in a way that has heart and meaning for someone else.  Told appropriately, stories can help people understand and learn new concepts.

As a training professional and speaker, I have told many little stories and vignettes. The people  to whom I've had the pleasure of presenting, often tell me they remember me for the stories I've shared. 

 I can think of no better way to be remembered.