Storytelling

Photo by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

Mankind’s form of communication.

If you have ever read any of my stories, you may know I usually refer to myself as a writer, humorist, and storyteller. The latter two of those are through no part of my own somehow. In fact, they are hard for me to abandon even if I want to, for some particular story

I am here today partially because some of my real estate customers told me that in the heart of any heated negotiations, I kept everyone cool by being cool myself and telling a perfect story.

So by default am a storyteller, but even so, I still study the activity and find ways to use it even more. The deeper dive for me reveals ways I can incorporate even small parts in my own communication.

What is storytelling?

To begin, storytelling, of course, is the art of conveying narratives or stories through various mediums, such as spoken word, writing, painting, film, or live performance. It is a fundamental form of human communication that has been used for centuries to entertain, educate, inspire, and pass down cultural traditions.

At its core, storytelling involves the presentation of a sequence of events or experiences that engage an audience and evoke emotions, imagination, and connection. Stories can be either fictional or based on real-life events, and they often include characters, a plot, a setting, and a theme.

Storytelling serves multiple purposes.

Entertainment. Stories entertain and captivate audiences by transporting them to different worlds, engaging their emotions, and providing a form of escapism.
Education. Stories are powerful tools for teaching and conveying information. They can simplify complex concepts, illustrate moral lessons, and help people understand and remember information.
Cultural preservation. Stories play a vital role in preserving and passing down cultural traditions, myths, legends, and historical events from one generation to another.
Connection and empathy. Stories have the power to connect people by sharing common experiences, emotions, and universal themes. They foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity.
Persuasion and influence. Stories can be persuasive tools, as they can evoke emotions, change perspectives, and inspire action. They are often used in marketing, advertising, and advocacy to engage audiences and communicate messages effectively.
In various fields, such as literature, film, marketing, public speaking, and leadership, storytelling is recognized as a powerful tool for engaging, inspiring, and influencing others.

Storytelling techniques can include elements like character development, narrative structure, descriptive language, dialogue, and thematic exploration. Effective storytelling captures the audience’s attention, creates suspense, provokes emotions, and leaves a lasting impact.

Key elements of storytelling are these.

Characters. Stories often revolve around characters who drive the narrative. Characters can be protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters. They bring life to the story and enable the audience to relate and connect with the events unfolding.

Plot. The plot is the sequence of events that form the storyline. It includes the exposition (introduction), rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The plot structure helps build tension and keeps the audience engaged.

Setting. The setting encompasses the timeline of the story.

Outcome or moral. The ending that is the purpose for the existence of the story in the first place.

Overall, storytelling is a universal and timeless form of communication that allows individuals to share experiences, shape perceptions, and connect with others on a deep level.

Storytelling, as used in medium articles.

Storytelling in Medium articles refers to the technique of using narrative elements to engage and captivate readers. By incorporating storytelling techniques, writers can make their articles more compelling, memorable, and relatable to the audience. Here are some ways to incorporate storytelling in Medium articles:

Begin with a captivating hook. Start your article with an intriguing anecdote, personal story, or a thought-provoking question to capture the reader’s attention from the very beginning.

Develop a narrative structure. Organize your article using a narrative structure, such as a beginning-middle-end format. Introduce the main theme or problem, present supporting information, and conclude with a resolution or key takeaway.

Use personal experiences. Share relevant personal experiences or anecdotes that relate to the topic you’re discussing. This adds authenticity and helps readers connect with your content on a more emotional level.

Create vivid descriptions. Use descriptive language and sensory details to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. This helps to immerse them in the story and make it more engaging.

Use dialogue. Dialogue can bring your story to life and make it more dynamic. Use quotes, conversations, or hypothetical dialogues to add depth and realism to your article.
Show, don’t tell. Instead of simply stating facts or information, show the reader through the dialogue and storytelling. Use storytelling techniques to illustrate your points, convey emotions, and create a more memorable experience for the reader.

Utilize story arcs. Apply storytelling principles such as character development, conflict, and resolution within your article. This can help create a sense of progression and keep readers invested in your content.

Connect with the reader. Make your story relatable by addressing common experiences or challenges your readers may have. This helps to foster a connection and makes the content more meaningful to them.

Remember, effective storytelling in Medium articles involves striking a balance between informative content and engaging storytelling techniques. By incorporating narrative elements, you can make your articles more captivating and leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Great storytellers from the past.

Yes, many great people throughout history have been skilled storytellers. Storytelling has been a powerful tool for conveying ideas, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on society. Here are a few examples of notable individuals who were known for their storytelling abilities:

William Shakespeare is still regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, Shakespeare’s works are renowned for their compelling storytelling. Through his plays and sonnets, he explored themes of love, power, tragedy, and human nature, leaving a profound influence on literature and theater.

Mark Twain is known for his novels such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Mark Twain was a master storyteller. His writing combined humor, social commentary, and memorable characters, making him one of the most celebrated American authors.

Maya Angelou is a renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou possessed a captivating storytelling style. Her

Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity and is revered by millions of people around the world. While Jesus is primarily known for his teachings, he also utilized storytelling, specifically through parables, to convey his messages and engage with his followers. The parables of Jesus, such as the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Parable of the Sower, are well-known examples of his storytelling approach.

Jesus used parables to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons, often drawing upon familiar everyday situations and imagery to make his teachings relatable and understandable to his audience. Through these stories, Jesus aimed to convey profound truths about God’s kingdom, love, forgiveness, and the human condition.

The storytelling of Jesus was characterized by its simplicity, depth of meaning, and ability to touch the hearts and minds of his listeners. His parables continue to resonate with people today, offering timeless wisdom and insight into matters of faith and morality.

How to become a good storyteller.

Becoming a good storyteller takes practice, creativity, and an understanding of the art of storytelling. Here are some tips to help you develop your storytelling skills.

Study the craft. Familiarize yourself with different storytelling techniques, structures, and styles. Read books, attend workshops, and study the works of renowned storytellers to gain insights and inspiration.

Know your audience. Understand who you are telling the story to and tailor your storytelling approach accordingly. Consider their interests, age group, cultural background, and preferences to engage them effectively.

Develop engaging characters. Create well-developed characters that the audience can relate to and care about. Give them depth, motivations, and unique qualities that make them memorable.

Craft compelling narratives. Master the art of structuring your stories. Create a clear beginning, middle, and end that captures the audience’s attention, builds tension, and provides a satisfying resolution.

Use descriptive language. Paint vivid imagery and evoke emotions through your use of descriptive language. Engage the senses and transport your audience into the world of your story.

Incorporate conflict and tension. Introduce conflict and obstacles to create dramatic tension in your storytelling. This keeps the audience engaged and eager to know how the story unfolds.

Practice storytelling techniques. Work on your delivery, voice modulation, and timing. Practice storytelling aloud to refine your storytelling skills and gain confidence in your presentation.

Connect emotionally. Aim to evoke emotions in your audience. Infuse your stories with themes, lessons, or experiences that resonate with their lives and tap into universal human emotions.

Seek feedback. Share your stories with others and ask for constructive feedback. Pay attention to their reactions and adjust your storytelling based on their input.

Embrace your own style. Be true to your own voice and style. Authenticity and passion in storytelling help create a genuine connection with the audience.

Remember that becoming a good storyteller is always an ongoing process. Embrace opportunities to practice and share your stories, and be open to learning and refining your skills over time. With dedication and perseverance, you can develop into a captivating storyteller.

This meandering is in no way complete nor definitive, and I intend to complete my dissection of the subject as soon as I can, and will share.

I always seem to work under the opinion that I could read ten stories on the same subject, I could still very possibly find the piece of gold (to me) in only one of them. So I never feel a subject is exhausted.

Thanks for reading!

Don’s a keen observer and prolific reporter of truth, common sense, humor, & life. He’s a WRITER|HUMORIST, sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. He lives in Nashville, Tn.

You might as well check out HOW TO FIND ALL HIS STORIES, ’cause you’re gonna run into them sooner or later anyway. There you will find all of them, including the very latest no matter what publication hosts them!

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Don Martin
ILLUMINATION
Written by Don Martin
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Don w/ 28 books, 690 essays since 2014, WIP at https://thereasonablerealtor.com/a-new-page/ email me at DonMartinBooks@gmail.com

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