Why I Believe in the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is an amazing thing. It can move us deeply. It can connect us. It can help us through our darkest days. Think about a story that has affected you. Did it move you to tears? Fill your lungs with laughter? Help you see something in a new light? I think storytelling is profoundly powerful. Here are my reasons why. 

Storytelling can encompass many different platforms

Storytelling is not relegated to just one format – it can be found on so many different types of platforms: books, movies, television, music, video games, board games, blogs, theater, social media, you name it. Storytelling is everywhere.

I am always in awe of how different platforms allow for different experiences with storytelling. Like when you follow a TV series for years and still excitedly anticipate every episode to see what your favorite characters will do next. Or how your imagination can conjure up scenes so vividly from the pages of a book. Or the wide range of emotions you experience in one sitting while watching a movie. Or how a musical number in a theater production can be so cathartic. Each platform lends its own unique way to experience a story.

Storytelling can open up your imagination

One of storytelling’s greatest powers is the way it lets us explore our imaginations. For one, a story can show us other perspectives we may not have thought of or may not have been exposed to before. This is a great way to learn about other cultures. I love seeing stories from authors around the world and from different walks of life who reveal rich information about their cultures.

Storytelling can also inspire others to use their imaginations and try their hand at creating and sharing stories. Everyone has a story in their heart. Hearing a story from another can motivate you to write down your own. Our imaginations are like gardens, and we should water them so the flowers can grow.

Storytelling can help others

Storytelling has the power to bring to light all parts of the human condition: joy, sorrow, anger, awe, and everything in between. This means it has the capacity to help people through hard times. A character’s struggle may resonate with a person facing a similar hardship, showing her she’s not alone.

Music is something people often turn to in times of hurt because the storytelling of musicians, singers, songwriters, and composers can reach right down to our core. We can feel the ache or the happiness expressed in music, which can help us better understand our own emotions.

Storytelling can also help us learn important life lessons. Children learn some of their earliest life lessons through storytelling. These stories can leave a lasting impact, and we take these lessons with us everywhere in life.

Another incredible thing storytelling does is let us see ourselves represented. We may sometimes feel like no one understands us, but then a story comes along and we see ourselves in it. It is a wonderful thing to feel understood. Which brings me to my next point…

Storytelling can represent people of different backgrounds

Representation matters. Too often we see negative stereotypes of certain cultures in media. This has such a harmful effect. The more the negative portrayals are perpetuated, the more they create biases and lead to discriminatory practices. People of these stereotyped cultures may develop lower self esteem and may internalize these hurtful portrayals. Moreover, the bullying they receive from people whose cultures are not portrayed so negatively exacerbates the problem even more.

Good storytelling should represent people and cultures accurately. There is power in seeing yourself and others represented well in media. Storytellers should be aware of this.

Final Thoughts

In the future, I hope to write more posts delving deeper into the power of storytelling in all its forms. Thank you for reading, and I hope you continue to experience the amazing power of stories!

 

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