The Power of Storytelling

POWER OF STORYTELLING……..
“Tis a human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter and bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o’er,
And bread lasts only a day,
But the touch of the hand, the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul alway.
…..SPENCER MICHAEL FREE

We all enjoy listening to stories especially children. Stories create an everlasting impression on the minds of children. Stories contribute towards shaping the mindsets of children. Stories help develop children’s’ creative and critical faculties, and promote compassion and understanding. Stories help to develop an understanding of one’s own self, one’s own culture and the culture of others. Stories help us connect with our audiences. Stories help us make our messages stick and memorable. Stories are, one of the most effective tools in a speaker’s arsenal. Studies suggest people accept ideas more readily when their minds are in story mode as opposed to when they are in an analytical mind-set. Stories create relevance for the audience, providing additional detail and mental visuals that bring to life otherwise dull, remote, or complex topics. Stories help to motivate the listeners and act.

Storytelling teaches children about the world, provides real-world social interaction, and develops both a knowledge and love for stories themselves. Through stories, children see a dramatic representation of problems, how characters choose to solve them and the positive and negative consequences of those choices. Unlike any television show, movie, video game or app, storytelling provides a fun experience for children with real, live human interaction. Storytelling provides children with the opportunity to practice social skills such as listening, making eye contact and taking turns. Storytelling acts as fuel for the fire of literacy in a child’s development. Stories bring faith in the eyes of a child, love in his touch, and hope in his attitude. Stories help us discover what love really is, and, enjoy life with laughter. Stories help us celebrate.