Importance of Story-Telling

People feel that storytelling is a childish or outdated act. But the importance of this skill cannot be overemphasized, especially, in the present political and business scenario.

Storytelling is the process of conveying events in words, and images, often by improvisation or beautification. It is a means of sharing and interpreting experiences. Storytelling is very compelling and has a lasting impression on the audience. It is universal in the sense that it has the power to transcend the age and cultural barriers. There would be no one in the world who cannot be moved by a great story. Human anatomy is so built that we are natural storytellers and story-listeners.

 Stories have been shared in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and instilling moral values and ethics. Long before paper was invented, people were the masters in passing on the knowledge and wisdom across generations through story telling.  

Storytelling develops our imagination and creativity. It also develops our ability to describe and harness various emotions. Studies suggest that storytelling helps one to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Storytelling makes you laugh and helps you make others laugh. It creates an immediate bonding with the listeners. It can improve your lifestyle. Storytelling develops empathy which is the most important quality of a leader. The storyteller feels empowered as he/she has the ultimate authority to decide the direction of the story and let us maneuver through the virtual world created by him/her. 

 Learning any content is easiest if done through an enjoyable story. The famous physicist George Gamow wrote a series of story books - Mr. Tompkins to explain the most abstract ideas of theory of relativity to a layman. 

Some great storytellers are Martin Luther King Jr, Adolf Hitler, and Mahatma Gandhi. These three names are enough to tell you how powerful a story can be. A powerful story can help one to connect strongly and instantaneously with the enormous audience from various parts of the world and across the time horizon. A narrative can be used to interpret the past and shape the future – Jesus Christ is the master in doing this. In my view, storytelling is the most important attribute a leader must possess.

The best politician has always been the best story teller.

One can watch the interviews of all time top 20 CEOs in the world - each one of them has a unique and inspirational story to tell the world. Stories have the power of manipulating the perceptions of people. In the business world of information overload, the compelling story has become a necessity for the customer to remember the company or its products. Stories make presentations better. Stories make ideas stick. They can be used to manage conflicts. 

Every one of us have many stories to tell to everyone we meet – both personal and professional. Let us make them interesting and long lasting. We can do so only by practice.

 First tell the story to yourself. Once you get enough confidence, you can go on to share it with your mates with whom you are most comfortable. When you are comfortable enough to improvise impromptu, it can be said that you had mastered the story. The life stories change – with time and also based on the context. You must keep trying to make it apt and interesting.

There are many ways to develop storytelling skills. It can be developed through dramatics and skits. Novel reading is process which helps us listen to the stories told by expert storytellers. This will sharpen our storytelling acumen. Singing, dancing, music instruments, painting, martial arts etc always tell stories. Students must be encouraged to participate in various arts.