The Art of Storytelling: The Power of Narratives
Recall the days when your teacher would use your favourite fruits to teach you math. After you had struggled to understand the “complexities” of addition, you were posed with a simple question: How many apples would you have if you initially had two and another two were gifted to you? At that moment, everything came together like a light bulb was lit in your mind. But what exactly was this powerful tool that was employed, and how has it shaped the course of human history?
Our lives constantly display a narrative. We constantly tell a story and are also woven into multiple stories. Narratives constitute the flowing essence of culture. Over the ages, history, values, and knowledge have been passed down generations through this fundamental human activity. Humans are emotional beings, hence, conveying a message through creativity, experiences, and imagery, results in deeper, empathic connections to information.
Storytelling, an intricate art form, goes beyond mere narration. It is a powerful craft that, when wielded strategically, can create lasting impressions. It involves technically and strategically crafting a plot that appeals to the emotional side of an audience. Major brands use this technique in selling ideas and marketing.
Consider, for instance, creation. It tells a beautiful story of how the sovereign God plots the course of time, by creating material essences with value, which is infinitely tapped through meticulous study and acknowledgement of the Divine, aimed at filling up a void in our existence while drawing us closer to Him. Profound!
Expressing yourself, teaching a concept, selling an idea, or immersing people in a subject matter — all of these goals can be efficiently achieved through the art of storytelling. You just need to change your approach to communication, and creatively bring to life that idea that you desire to relay.
Which brand instantly springs to mind when you think of vibrant red, fizzy beverages that bring joy and togetherness during magical holiday moments? Coupled with an iconic origin story, that is traced back to pharmacist, John Pemberton, Coca-Cola has built its brand using the power of storytelling. Coca-Cola has successfully forged an emotional connection with audiences worldwide, making it not just a beverage but a storyteller of festive and heart-warming tales. Other brands like Apple, Starbucks, and McDonalds, make use of this ancient technology.
Whether you are a professional, or student, or you want the world to hear your voice, within you lies a unique narrative waiting to unfold. Emotions are a crucial part of our being, hence, we are naturally drawn to intriguing plots. In embracing the art of storytelling, you not only reveal the richness of your own journey, but also connect with others on a fundamental level through empathy, and the universal language of emotions. In every narrative lies a profound connection waiting to be made.
