The Power of Telling Stories

Michael Brickey, Ph.D.

When Betty Rogers retired from her State job, she became a professional speaker. For fun she taught seniors to do stand up comedy at the Funny Bones Comedy Club. At first the seniors weren’t very good at stand up comedy. But that would be true of most people. Eventually many became quite funny.

Of course not everyone wants to be a comedian. Studies find older people are better story tellers than younger people. It comes at a perfect time in life as one of the roles of elders, however is to be story tellers. Story telling is part of the glue that bonds families. It is the conduit for family traditions. How you tell a story determines if it is fascinating or boring. Some people have a knack for story telling. Most of us could use some help. Rather than fumbling and bumbling through a story or shirking from your role as a story teller, practice. Think out, or better yet write out a story. Ask yourself:

• What would be a great opening line?
• Can I paint more pictures in my story?
• Does it pass the shark test–that every word adds to the story?
• What do I want listeners to feel?
• What will help bring about these feelings?
• What is my story telling style?

There is no right or wrong answer. Will Rogers had a plain talk approach. Andy Griffin had a country boy flavor. Some story tellers have a tall tale style. Some have a fond, loving, caring style. Is there a style that best fits you? Staying with a style and enhancing the style will help your story telling become like a brand name.

It also helps to listen to people who are good story tellers and take mental notes on what makes their stories so interesting.

As James Keller put it, “Tell your tales; make them true. If they endure, so will you.”

After you have polished your story and told it, ask for feedback and for suggestions on how to make it more interesting and effective. Your stories are the family jewels. Keep them polished and display them often.



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This article may be reprinted in E-zines, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines provided they the content is not edited and the following attribution is given:

Dr. Michael Brickey is President of the Ageless Lifestyles Institute and author of Defy Aging. His new book, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, gives two-page-a-week practical steps for developing a youthful mindset at every age. Further information is at www.DrBrickey.com.