Why Storytelling Rules: Part Two

Is great storytelling still needed?

Yes. 

That’s the short and simple answer. However, since I’m not trying to write the shortest blog post known to man, I must say that a “yes” actually doesn’t do the question justice. A simple “yes” doesn’t adequately explain how great storytelling has always been a thread of culture or how it always will be. Stories are embedded in our worlds. We read our children stories before bedtime. We get a little too obsessed with certain television shows. We spend I don’t even want to know how much money on movies in a year. Why? Because there is something about a story that draws us in and entices us, and ultimately, connects with us on some personal level. 

Don’t you have a favorite story? Don’t we all have a favorite story? And while there might be some stories that we both like, there will also be stories I like better than you and vice versa. That preference has a lot to do with what connects to us individually.

However, great stories always connect with the audience. That’s part of what makes them great. We can connect with the setting or some other element, but a great story connects us to its characters. These characters face internal or external challenges, and with truly great stories, we see ourselves in one of those characters. And through these characters, we inevitably learn a lesson or some kind of truth. 

Now, you might think I’m about to give you a sermon on the merits of story in cinema and television, but don’t be deceived in thinking stories are confined to the medium of film. Film might be one of the most effective ways to present storytelling, but we should never discount a story because it’s in a book, told through dance, or shared over a coffee with a friend. And stories are certainly not confined to a time limit. Let’s face it: a commercial can be more effective in 90 seconds than some movies are in 90 minutes. 

Stories have the ability to impact us and teach us something valuable, though, and the great ones always do. And the truth is that we will always need that reminding. We will need the Coca Cola commercials to remind us of the effect a little happiness and positivity can have on a person. We will need the Harry Potters to remind us just how true love puts others above ourselves no matter the cost and that good can defeat evil. We will need the Frodos, the Luke Skywalkers, and the Dorothys to remind us to not give up, to fight the good fight, and that there’s no place like home. 

Oh, how we need those reminders and always will.

And here’s to hoping we provide some good ones of our own here at The Digital Shore.