The Persistent Evolution Of Storytelling

Storytelling.  When you see that word, what does it make you think of?  We can all define what it means, but likely you also form an idea or impression about what it means to you, personally.  Maybe it’s Shakespeare or Poe… or perhaps a notable children’s fairy tale.  How about a Scorsese film?  Possibly, just a relative with a talent for captivating your family around the holiday table. 

We all have our own instincts and opinions about what makes a really good story; it’s subjective for sure.  But when it comes to “storytelling”, two things are undeniably true.  It’s personal and it’s been around for a very, VERY long time.

Before there was written word, stories were shared orally, passed on from generation to generation, most likely around the glow of a fire. While many of these ancient stories have been lost, some have remained intact, making their way into bound books that appeared on our desks at school.

Stories are one of the few things that haven’t changed over the centuries.  Wait, let’s think about that for a second.  Centuries. 

Can you think of anything else come that hasn’t changed for centuries?  Me neither.  Their persistence signifies just how important they are to us as human beings.

Of course, the medium has changed. Oral stories were eventually written on paper, which were then performed on stage, then on radio, then on screen. Today, stories are downloaded to our phones, told through YouTube videos, streamed on apps 24/7.

In fact, most people, when you see them glued to their smartphone, are actually watching videos. Which is why in today’s marketing they are considered to be one of the most effective ways to get in front of your audience.

But while it seems like all of this is “new”, it’s really just modern-day storytelling.

Stories, no matter how they are conveyed, are what grips our attention and makes us want to listen. They compel us to share, inspire us to dream and occasionally break our hearts. This emotional response and pull towards stories is, at the end of the day, what makes us human.

So while we can be sure that stories won’t go anywhere, they will continue to persist over the course of time, we can question which medium will be the next in line, the vehicle for these stories to be shared.

The idea of holding a moving story in your hand, one that you can watch anywhere and at anytime, one that connects you with people around the world seems futuristic enough. Although I can’t help but wonder, what’s next?