Benefits+of+storytelling

No matter what the purpose of telling stories or what method we use to tell the story, there are certain benefits that are provided by using storytelling to communicate ideas. Some of these are:

In abstract discussions, ideas come at us like missiles, invading our space and directing us to adopt a mental framework established by another being, and our options come down to accepting or rejecting them. Narrative by contrast comes at us collaboratively inviting us gently to follow the story arm-in-arm with the listener. It is more like a dance than a battle.
 * Communicate Collaboratively**

**Communicate Persuasively**
When the listener follows a story, there is the possibility to get the listener to invent a parallel story in the listener's own environment. The story co-created becomes our own, and something we love and are prepared to fight for.

Before modern express communication, the communication was among people from the same village, or district, or city. With global communications, the assumption of similar context in which knowledge arises, hence becomes the normal vehicle for accurate knowledge transfer.
 * Communicate Accurately**

We know more than we realize. But if we do not know it, how can we communicate it. Storytelling provides an answer, since by telling a story with feeling, we are able to communicate more explicitly now. Our body takes over and does it for us.
 * Communicate Intuitively**

Abstract communications are dull and dry because they are not populated with people but things. As living beings, we are attracted to what is living and repelled by inert things such as concepts. Stories enliven and entertain.
 * Communicate Entertainingly**

Storytelling does not just close the knowing/doing gap. It eliminates the gap by stimulating the listener to co-create the idea.
 * Communicate Movingly to get action**

Explicit talk about feelings can be cloying. Storytelling enables discussion of emotions in a culturally acceptable and elegant way.
 * Communicate Feelingly**

Storytelling is inherently interactive. The storyteller sparks the story that the listeners co-create in their own minds.
 * Communicate Interactively**

From B**rown, Denning, Groh and Prusack, 2004**

Go to Tim Shepherds web on Storytelling.

@http://www.timsheppard.co.uk/story/

Explore the section on traditional storytelling.