Module 3: Storytelling

During this module, I had the valuable opportunity to delve into the application of storytelling as a potent tool to elevate the learning process. It became apparent to me that storytelling is an inherently human experience, deeply ingrained in our nature. This innate attraction to storytelling is evident in our profound affinity for books, movies, and the rich tapestry of family stories that have been passed down through generations. Throughout this module, I’ve had an eye-opening revelation: storytelling isn’t just a form of art; it’s a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way we learn. It’s a testament to our deep-seated love for stories and the realization that we can leverage this innate connection to make learning more immersive and effective. In a world saturated with information, storytelling offers a refreshing approach that enables us to forge deeper connections with the subject matter. This newfound awareness has ignited my curiosity, and I’m enthusiastic about further exploring the multifaceted potential of storytelling as a dynamic instrument for learning and communication.

Experiences with Twine
Twine is a unique storytelling application that empowers users to craft interactive narratives in the “choose your own adventure” style. To get started with Twine, I delved into the realm of online tutorials, YouTube videos, and web resources to grasp the intricacies of story creation within this platform. Initially, I found it a tad perplexing, but as I grew more acquainted with Twine’s capabilities, I embarked on my creative journey. My chosen narrative revolved around a charming little snail embarking on a captivating adventure across diverse landscapes. Crafting this story in Twine proved to be an enjoyable and engaging experience, offering a platform to weave a tale enriched with choices and branching pathways. While my initial foray into Twine was a learning experience, I see great potential in this tool for crafting intricate and immersive stories. With more time and dedication, I look forward to revisiting Twine in the future, and exploring the boundless possibilities it offers for creating interactive narratives.

I have attached some screenshots and my twine story below!

https://twinery.org/2/#/stories/1f8c98c6-6a38-4804-aa5c-a5db1e84d5c7

Reflection Questions
Describe a meaningful learning experience that started with a story that you heard. What made it impactful for you? What senses did it appeal to? Did you recognize any of the storytelling techniques reviewed this week?

Growing up, I was really close with my Uncle Ken. It was always like having a second Dad. His career and lifelong passion was being a stunt pilot in Aerobatics. Some of my favorite stories were the ones he told me about how he’d held onto his dreams with unwavering determination, despite the recognition of the inherent dangers. As I listened to his tales, I found myself drawn into his world of daring aerobatics and the exhilaration of soaring through the open skies. He would tell the stories of new stunts he was trying, a scene so vividly described that I could almost hear the roar of the engines and feel the rush of the wind against my face. His storytelling technique of creating a vibrant mental picture that appealed to my senses was captivating. But as his stories progressed, so did the realization of the risks involved. My uncle vividly recounted the moments of doubt, of acknowledging the inherent danger in his chosen path. He spoke of the weight of responsibility he carried as he trained, knowing that the line between success and disaster was perilously thin. It was at this point that the storytelling technique of creating suspense and tension became evident, much like the edge-of-the-seat moments in a thrilling movie. Yet, for me, what made this story truly impactful was the lesson he shared. He described the pivotal moment when he questioned whether to continue his pursuit or to take a safer, more conventional path in life. He spoke of the conversations with family and friends who worried about his safety. And he described the sleepless nights spent wrestling with his own fears. As he recounted these struggles, I felt a profound connection to his journey, as if I were experiencing it alongside him. The emotional authenticity of his storytelling resonated deeply, and I could sense the weight of his decisions, appealing to my empathy and understanding. In the end, he made a choice that some might call reckless, while others might see as courageous. He followed his dream and became a stunt pilot. My uncle’s story was not just about the pursuit of a career but about the pursuit of one’s passions, even when the path is perilous.
The storytelling techniques he used, such as vivid descriptions, suspense, and emotional authenticity, made the story impactful. Through his narrative, I learned that pursuing a dream, even when it seems dangerous, can lead to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. This was a meaningful learning experience that started with a story and left me with a profound understanding of the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

In the reading this week, 7 Storytelling Techniques Used by the Most Inspiring TED Presenters, which of the presenters did you find most compelling? What technique(s) did you recognize in their talk?

I found three stories from TED Talks that stood out to me due to their compelling narratives and effective storytelling techniques. Each story brings unique insights and engages the audience through personal experiences and relatable descriptions.

The first story that deeply resonated with me was Leslie Morgan Steiner’s account of her experience in an abusive relationship. She courageously shares her personal journey, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges victims face when trying to break free from such situations. Steiner’s storytelling technique is emotionally engaging, as she opens up about her fear and shame during the abusive relationship. This vulnerability adds authenticity to her story and makes it relatable to the audience. Her talk’s captivating start, where she shares a shocking fact about her experience, immediately draws viewers into her narrative. Additionally, her use of vivid descriptions allows the audience to visualize her emotions and experiences, providing a deeper understanding of her perspective.

The second compelling story comes from Zak Ebrahim, who shares his deeply personal experiences and emotions related to his family’s background and his father’s involvement in terrorism. His narrative style is emotionally impactful as he opens up about his inner struggles, fear, and the heavy burden he carried as the son of a terrorist. Ebrahim’s vulnerability adds authenticity to his story, connecting with the audience on an emotional level. His TED Talk serves as a moving example of how personal storytelling can address complex and sensitive topics, promoting peace and encouraging the audience to explore alternative paths to reconciliation and understanding.

The third story that left a lasting impression on me is Malcolm Gladwell’s exploration of choice and diversity in the context of food preferences. Gladwell challenges the notion that there is a one-size-fits-all answer to making choices, especially when it comes to food. He highlights the food industry’s understanding that people’s preferences vary and that the key to success is embracing diversity and customization. Throughout his talk, Gladwell employs vivid and relatable descriptions to help the audience visualize the concepts he discusses. For instance, he characterizes variations in spaghetti sauce preferences as “vibrant, infinitely diverse, and irreducible.” His narrative style presents contrasting ideas and challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing the value of diversity in preferences.

In all three stories, the speakers use personal experiences, emotional authenticity, engaging openings, vivid descriptions, and relatable contrasts to make their narratives compelling and thought-provoking. These storytelling techniques effectively convey their messages and create memorable presentations.

What storytelling techniques have you used instinctively and which ones require more work for you? Which techniques will you focus on moving forward?

I find that I naturally gravitate toward Mayer’s Personalization Principle when I engage in storytelling. I consider myself an open individual who values sharing personal anecdotes. Personalization, I believe, serves as a powerful connector, forging meaningful bonds among people and presenting information in an engaging and relatable manner. Storytelling, in particular, is a passion of mine. Furthermore, I often adopt a conversational tone in my storytelling, aligning with the principles of personalization. This approach helps create an intimate connection with my audience, making the narrative more accessible and relatable.
However, I recognize that there are areas in my storytelling that I can refine. One aspect is adhering to the principles of Mayer’s segmentation, where keeping stories concise and to the point is vital to maintaining the audience’s attention. While I enjoy providing rich details to paint a vivid picture, there are instances where I may unintentionally extend the narrative, potentially affecting its impact. Incorporating visual components, as suggested by Mayer’s Signaling Principle, is another area where I believe I could improve. Visual aids can significantly enhance the storytelling experience, and I acknowledge that I may not always give due consideration to this aspect, especially when verbally sharing stories.
Moreover, I’ve become more aware of the importance of adhering to the Universal Design for Learning principles. While I may not personally require specific adaptations, I understand the significance of ensuring that my storytelling is inclusive and accessible to all. I am committed to becoming more proficient at integrating these adaptations into my narratives, acknowledging that they may be essential for some members of the audience.
In summary, I’m drawn to the personalization principle, incorporating personal stories and a conversational tone in my storytelling. Yet, I aspire to enhance my storytelling by practicing the segmentation and signaling principles and by embracing the Universal Design for Learning principles to make my narratives more inclusive and impactful.

References

Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. (2023, June 2). Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/