Professional Storytellers

There are many professions in which proficiency in storytelling is vital. That is because all professions are based on beliefs about the world that are themselves completely contained in story, language and ritual.

Almost everything you do involves communication with other beings. If you think of the content and impact of these communications, they often involve the exchange of complex values, feelings and perceptions. Stories are used to persuade, describe and encourage action by motivating yourself and others. If you accept the notion that power and change are intimately related, then your ability to tell a convincing, motivating story that makes you and anyone who listens to it feel good is related to your personal power. It is your story that makes you who you are. Who would you be without stories?

Professions associated with storytelling include: Medical Doctors (there is a specialised niche in medicine called narrative medicine which looks at the relationship between story and healing), Traditional Healers (called Sangomas and Inyangas in Southern Africa), Salespeople, Journalists, Astrologers, Priests, Shaman, Lawyers, Psychologists, Advertising copywriters, Psychotherapists, Advocates/Barristers, Judges, Politicians, Teachers & Academics, Leaders, Managers, Songwriters and even Accountants (accountanting is in fact one of the earlest forms of storytelling!). Seems everyone is trying to tell or sell you a story....