Describe a meaningful learning experience that started with a story that you heard. What made it impactful for you? What senses did it appeal to? Did you recognize any of the storytelling techniques reviewed this week?

To me every story is a learning experience in one way or another. A story that I was told that stuck with me is from my great grandmother. When I was younger she told me a story of when she grew up, which was during the time of WW2. As a coastal BC Japanese-Canadian resident she was forcibly removed from her home and sent to live in Alberta in an Internment camp. At the time I did not understand the full effect of her story as I was not educated enough on the subject yet, and did not grasp/ understand such a horrible concept. Growing older and learning more about the world and that time has allowed for it to become greatly impactful to my life. Her story of strength and perseverance showed me that I can do anything and I am grateful for the freedom I have today. It taught me that awareness to the past and celebrating your culture, even when you are punished for it, is important for me. This past summer I was able to work with the Japanese Canadian Legacy group where I worked in the community to connect with other Japanese Canadian elders who lived through that time as well and got to hear them share their stories. It is impactful as a small story my great grandmother told me has allowed for a shift in my thinking and new connection in my community and work experience in a positive light. It appealed to my sense of empathy more than anything. I recognized the storytelling technique of personal experience, suspense and ending with a positive takeaway in her story.

In the reading this week, 7 Storytelling Techniques Used by the Most Inspiring TED Presenters, which of the presenters did you find most compelling? What technique(s) did you recognize in their talk?

The presenter I found most compelling was Zak Ibrahim and his story of how he chose peace. The suspense caught my attention from the beginning. He started with a shocking story and led from there. I felt his pain in his voice and remorse for what his father and the people he knew did. The suspense allowed for me to stay focused as I wanted to know what would happen next.

What storytelling techniques have you used instinctively and which ones require more work for you? Which techniques will you focus on moving forward?

I believe I use the technique of “show don’t tell” and personal story telling. I am a visual learner myself so having a picture or item when telling a story I find adds to the effect. It allows the listener to understand better what I am talking about, and gaining a visual for better imagination. I also find I like to connect a story with my personal experiences. It allows me to understand stories better and connect with others who are sharing them. I definitely need to work on building suspense in my stories. I am just someone who likes to get to the point which sometimes is not as exciting, and audience grabbing as if I were to wait to share the main points.