Storytelling

Definition

The practice of relating personal recollections, impressions, perspectives, observations, and interpretations, typically with the aim of conveying a particular series of events that collectively convey a message that is of use to the listeners

Description

Civilization has spread and advanced through the gathering of people to orally share perspectives and interpretations of events in their lives and in the lives of others. From such activities, ‘stories’ have emerged that have been transferred beyond the original gathering in both oral and written forms. This practice is used in business and industry to transmit tacit knowledge orally and to develop learning histories that can then be utilized extensively for a variety of purposes.

Source: Planning and Execution of Knowledge Management Assist Missions for Nuclear Organizations

Purpose & benefits

Storytelling is the original way to transfer knowledge, it weaves a narrative that people can engage with, instead of just facts and figures.

External links and references

1. Storytelling on Wikipedia
2. TED talks on Storytelling
3. Story Center
4. StoryCorps (There is also an app that can be downloaded to a phone/tablet to aid in the story capture process, available for iPhone/iPad and Android: link to app)