In The Arena of Storytellers, Tell Yours.

“What’s your story?” Someone asked.

I felt obliged to sit down and open a little of myself to this stranger. It just felt right. Deep down I knew we were going to share a lot more between us through this simple first question.

I find storytelling — the act itself and the meaning to be so fascinating.

It's around us pretty much every day. We live in a world filled with stories.

Some great storytellers capture their content through visual art forms — paintings, pictures, videos, and others through audio or writing.

The best thing they do is hit publish or take the step to tell.

Here is a quote from Brene Brown on participating that took my interest.

Today, let's explore the fascinating world of participatory storytelling and discover how we can derive more value from it.

As a communicator with a love for building community engagement, I witness many efforts by online communities to keep conversations going.

You can picture the community manager thinking about the content for the next 'Day of [insert day here] post. But amidst all the hard work, does it truly pay off?

As an observer within the community, you notice who says what and sometimes question yourself, "Do I have something to share?" Personally, I lean towards taking action. I yearn to be involved, have my voice heard, and be present in the arena.

I want to be involved.

I want to get my voice heard.

I want to be in the arena.

Be empowered to share your story.

Empower yourself to share your own story. Participating in a story or realizing your role within it can provide a sudden warmth, akin to entering a cosy house on a cold November night. You are no longer an outsider; you are part of the process.

Your story resonates and aligns with ongoing discussions, allowing you to build connections and embrace the novelty of diversity.

Nothing saddens me more than a group with low engagement. People want to feel involved, yet no one wants to take the first step. We all desire to be seen, heard and acknowledged. And … those who contribute their time and effort always find ways to meet the needs of others within the community.

So often, we forget we can be of service to people with the skills or knowledge we have. Someone somewhere sees your story — and decides you're the right person for what they need.

Consider this as an example: You share a captivating story that moves others. The story evolves, becoming richer and more diverse. One day, you look back and remember the profound impact you had on people's emotions and, importantly, how it made you feel.

Now think about the times you wished you shared a story.

You second-guessed yourself.

A heavy tongue.

Doubts crept in.

Before you knew it, the opportunity slipped away. You beat yourself up for lack of confidence. And begin that "Could I, Should I have" self-talk.

But let's shift our focus from these "what-ifs" and delve into the importance of participating. Participatory storytelling allows you to fully embrace and own your words, leading to stronger connections with others.

By actively engaging in this form of storytelling, you create a more meaningful experience.

Most things happen to everybody sooner or later if there is time.

They really do.

Sharing these moments helps foster a sense of ownership and connection to the stories being shared. It's as if you're saying, "Hey, this story isn't just for me—it's for you too. We're in this together!"

All of a sudden, you're invested.

You learn new things.

Suddenly, you find yourself invested, gaining new insights, and forging deeper connections with the people involved. It strengthens the bond between all participants.

In a world where being heard is an incessant pursuit, take the time to get involved first in order to be seen.

Until next time, keep your stories alive.

They matter.