Have you ever wondered why stories matter? Stories allow people to share their voice and change the world. Stories can be used as a tool for empowerment, offering an escape from reality, or simply making someone’s day better. Stories are all around us and we often take them for granted; but when we harness the power of stories they can make a big difference in our lives. Stories can help others to find their voice, tell your story, and make a difference!
One of the most important things stories offer us is an escape from reality. There are many difficult things in this world that we cannot change, but through stories we can journey to different worlds, meet new people, and explore different cultures. We can also see life from a different perspective and learn more about ourselves.
This is extremely important for businesses to recognize. Does your business sell matcha? How about taking your reader in a blog back to ancient days when matcha was first discovered. Does your company promote outdoor recreation? Why not start a blog post with a detailed story of a recent employees trek up a 14,000 ft. mountain?
The key to a successful business is finding ways to emotionally connect with your reader. Telling stories is one of the most effective ways to do this. People love stories and they make us feel something; whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, or fear. When we can evoke an emotion in someone we’ve got them hooked!
Instead of calling myself a copywriter or content creator, I prefer the term digital storyteller because that is really what most writers do, and that is absolutely what I do. Instagram has a section called stories. YouTube is littered with how-to videos that always include a story about how the person decided to make or create an object or process. Twitter is the ultimate manifestation of a flash fiction story, and all resumes on LinkedIn share a story of how a professional gained the experience that brought them to where they are today.
Likewise, students should never neglect the power of stories. Not only telling stories, but also sharing how the details in stories may or may not be true. Our culture is currently interested in creating new narratives around untrue tales. For example, was America really found or was it infiltrated? When students and businesses take the time to think about the details and facts that make up a story, then they are able to find a foothold in a proposal, essay, or marketing campaign that can really catch an audience’s attention and make them want to read on. In some ways, acknowledging what and why certain aspects of a story are true, is, in a way, a form of research. It can also be a way to add nuance and layers to an argument or discussion.
The next time you feel stuck, remember the power of stories and how they can help us connect with others on an emotional level. Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have access to, so use them wisely!
Sarah M. Kirby 