Communicating Complex Ideas: More Than One Way to Tell Stories
The following capstone project focused on the methodology of storytelling. This topic was chosen due to the lack of research exploring how stories could be told, contrasting the copious amount of research on the importance of stories. Additionally, it was chosen because the research concluded that storytelling is an effective form of communicating complex ideas. Thus, by having more variations of storytelling, we are better equipped to communicate those ideas. To then explore those variations, an event was created to present unconventional methods of storytelling that all told the same story. After each artist presented their version of the story, the audience was asked to take a picture of the head presenter on the stage and post it to either Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag, #FreeFromTheChains. Then, the number of posts was compared to the total number of audience members. After the event had concluded and the numbers were tallied, 9 out of approximately 30 participants posted the photo, and approximately 222 people liked the posts. While the responses to the posts were not a part of the original design of the project, it was noteworthy. From this experience, the project leader learned many valuables lessons, including the power of unconventional methods of storytelling, the neurological components and effects of stories, and how to facilitate an online and in-person event.
Keywords: Communications, stories, unconventional methods of storytelling
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
L203
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