The thing I’ve noticed most in learning about personal storytelling this semester is its ability to connect people. Even in this virtual world, across distances far and near, between introverts and extroverts, among people of various upbringing and experience with perhaps nothing in common, we have formed connections through our stories.
Even before this ongoing pandemic made it necessary for all of us to further isolate ourselves, we were an increasingly disconnected society. Social media has created this disingenuous type of relationship, where users mistake likes and followers for real connection. But you cannot create real connection in 280 characters or through a carefully curated collection of posts and pictures. So instead what we get is advertising from “influencers,” empty laughs, more ways to avoid being present and aware, further distraction and isolation from each other and the real world, and lots of excuses for not thinking about it or our place in it.
Personal storytelling requires reflection and deeper thinking. Random thoughts or memories aren’t simply blurted out. They’re considered and combed-through for lessons learned or progress made, then crafted into complete stories. This isn’t as easy as you might think. It requires honesty, vulnerability, and creativity. I did not know this, prior to taking a storytelling class. I always figured the people who told the stories I listened to just a) had more/better lives and stories to tell than I do, and b) were just somehow naturally good at telling stories in front of large groups of people.
What I’ve discovered in this class is that almost everybody thinks they don’t have any interesting stories to tell, but we all do. Anybody who has lived a life has stories to tell. And listeners will benefit from hearing your stories, perhaps not every listener, but you will always reach some. Your perspective is unique, even if your life and thus your story seems mundane to you.
I’ve also learned that many storytellers are, in fact, introverts, like me. For them, storytelling requires vulnerability not only in considering yourself and your past honestly, but also in sharing your stories with others, whether they are strangers or friends or family. Knowing this makes me admire these storytellers all the more. I can tell you from experience that this is not easy, but most listeners are sympathetic and will admire your courage, and you will reach them, even if you’re nervous.
Storytelling requires an honesty and vulnerability that is not often seen nor required in social media. It is precisely this vulnerability that creates real connection, which is something we all need more of these days. Many have been looking for it in all the wrong places and feeling let down and lost when they don’t find it. Perhaps they should try telling their stories instead.
The cartoon at the top of the post can be found here.
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