It’s an ancient art. An aboriginal elder gathers an audience and begins to tell a story. As the story unfolds his hands move, gestures illustrating and reinforcing the drama of his tale. People listen with rapt attention.

The stories are entertaining–yes–but they are so much more. Through his tales people identify with the heritage of their people, weep over their tragedies, rejoice in their triumphs. The stories capture their dreams and longings, hopes and fears, values they cherish and behaviors they hate.

Great Storytellers are
great “truth tellers”

Some people think storytelling is about fantasy and make believe. But the heart of storytelling is “truth telling” says Peter Guber. It’s a profound observation coming from the man who produced such films as Rainman and The Color Purple and has headed up Sony Pictures, Polygram, and Columbia Pictures. Perhaps only Stephen Spielberg or George Lucas could claim more impressive credentials.

Storytellers become “truth tellers” to their people for in their stories people hear truth about the meaning of their lives. Effective storytellers, Guber believes, master the four truths of storytelling. At the end I’ll add one more of my own. Read More