Storytelling to Me

The first thought that comes to mind when I think of story telling is the fond memories of when I was young and my father would read to me. He would tell each story with such passion, even going as far to act out some of the scenes.

My understanding and concept of what story telling is has expanded over the years. I think of it as the basis of many normal conversations that I have with friends, family, and even strangers.

You talk about your day or how things have been going that week or maybe something interesting that happened in class or at work. Each time you talk to someone about these things you are telling them a short story. Maybe you even have pictures of some of the moments to help.

Some of my favorite story telling is done in songs. A little guitar can change the mood of a story entirely. I personally love listening to Harry Chapin (famous for Cats in the Cradle) and some of the stories he sings about in his songs. (30,000 Pounds of Bananas is absolutely wonderful.)

Storytelling and the Digital Age

So what happens when you add story telling to the digital world? The core ideas remain the same. You are still telling a story, whether true or fiction, to an audience. Digital storytelling allows you to add to the story in ways you couldn’t before. Maybe there is a unique sound that will emphasize an action or a drawing or picture that can represent a person or place or item.

Movies are the first thing I think of when I heard digital storytelling. Almost all movies now a days use green screens and special effects to some degree to add to the story and enhance the audience’s experience.

Story telling has been evolving and adapting to changes in cultures for thousands of years and will continue to do so. Digital storytelling seems to be the next chapter and I am excited for all the possibilities it holds.