Storytelling by Olivier Serrat

Storytelling

by Olivier Serrat

Definition

Storytelling is the vivid description of ideas, beliefs, personal

experiences, and life-lessons

through stories or narratives

that evoke powerful emotions and insights.

Advantages

Storytelling has advantages over the communication techniques

commonly used in organizations, be they electronic

mail, reports, or formal speeches. First, it enables articulation

of emotional aspects as well as factual content, allowing

expression of tacit knowledge (that is always difficult to

convey). Second, by providing the broader context in which knowledge arises, it increases

the potential for meaningful knowledge-sharing. Third, by grounding facts in a narrative

structure, it augments the likelihood that learning will take place and be passed on. Purposeful

storytelling can deliver results that conventional, abstract

modes of communications

such as those mentioned earlier cannot. Anyone can use it and become better at using

it to reach many rapidly.

Communicating Naturally

The age-old practice of storytelling is one of the most effective tools that people can use.

Storytellers communicate naturally: analysis might excite the mind but it does not offer an

easy route to the heart, which is where one must go to motivate people. Working with stories

is one of the best ways to

• Make abstract concepts meaningful.

• Help connect people and ideas.

• Inspire imagination and motivate action.

• Give breathing space and allow different perspectives to emerge.

• Create sense, coherence, and meaning.

• Develop valuable descriptions of the situations in which knowledge is applied and

solutions are found.

• Examine organizational values and culture.

• Communicate complex messages simply.

• Operate effectively in networks.

• Inspire change.

...