About Storytelling!

My grandfather-Papa-was a master storyteller. I remember sitting around our pot-bellied stove listening to his stories. There was little else for us to do during the long winter months on my grandfather's farm

Only after I became an adult did I realize and truly appreciate my grandfather's gift of spinning a great story. It was then that I learned to value his storytelling as a teaching tool…particularly the use of the subtle and sometimes not so subtle lessons inherent in his stories. Although stories can be entertaining and captivating, they can also be thought-provoking, and they can lead to self-reflection, questioning, and exploration. A well-crafted story is an invaluable tool for creating meaningful dialogue that otherwise might never have occurred. The storyteller acts as a buffer between the message and the messenger, often breaking down barriers and enabling listeners to engage in discussion and to share ideas.

My goal-and perhaps the most rewarding aspect of storytelling-is to establish a connection, a sense of bonding, with listeners. I have successfully accomplished this goal when the listener is entertained, inspired, and/or challenged to question the status quo or to think differently.

Gladys DeVane

Gladys DeVane

gladys@gladysdevane.com