Facilitating Storytelling intro session at the FOLD

I had the wonderful opportunity to facilitate at the FOLD (Forum of Fun and Learning) in Bangalore. It was great interacting with like minded professionals in a cozy relaxed setting – learning together.

Ms.Nain has written about the session in the FOLD newsletter which I am posting here. You can also check out the newsletter.

ABRACADABRA
With great enthusiasm I recount the session conducted by Ashley Vinil, a master story teller and
a trainer by profession. He makes it appear so simple that the technique keeps the audience
spell bound. Ashley with his narration style reminded me of a character straight out of an Enid
Blyton book.
Ashley started the session with gestures and examples. He took us back to our good old child
-hood days where we listened, imagined and entered a whole new world of wonder and mystery.
My dear friends, such is the fascinating “Art of storytelling”!
He made us understand the importance of visualizing and how the technique of storytelling can
be incorporated in a modern day workplace to help arrive at a solution. The present day
organization definitely has its own challenges where the simple truths and facts of everyday life
are over-looked - therefore it is so difficult to bring the people together to come to a solution.
He also brought out that sometime we need to think out of the box and should not stick to logic
all the time. The art of storytelling in fact lays emphasis on the emotions which, I am told, occupy
our mind about 95%. Amazing isn't it? He also made us know the importance of the role our sensory
organs play to bring about perfection in this form of communication.
Story telling has its own charm. It encourages imagination and creativity to reach their highest level.
A minimalistic storytelling is more rational, clear and has a message. A maximalist storytelling on the
other hand is in contrast and involves everyone. The art of storytelling has to be authentic and
should build trust. The best part is there is no mask and it touches the heart of the audience.
The art of storytelling can have a huge impact on things like change, problem solving and
of course can be useful in our very own training rooms. A meeting can have a story board as an
aid. Storytelling lessons can definitely be more effective in meetings, discussions, in co creating
and in collaboration.
So my friends what I gather is bring out the child within you, learn to live the moment, forget about
the past, bring in the future by creating a new present. So go on, grab your pens, get creative and
bring out the magic that lies within you, and don`t forget the magic words..."ABRACADABRA”!
- Nain

The FOLD-E-news Bulletin April 11