Today I learned a "lesson" from my daughter...the world of story-telling needs to consider the new world of social media. Meaning? Stories should be no longer than 140 characters according to Ms. "Just get to the point!" I can relate...sort of...when I remember how many times I've asked my mother to hurry along a story that she has been telling me (most for the third or fourth time). But really--140 characters! First, I have the speaking habit of many folks living below the Mason-Dixon line--I talk slo-o-o-o-w! That is, according to my daughter who I believe was kidnapped by some family in New York/New Jersey and who secretly endoctrinated her with their speech patterns--"Warp Speed, Mr. Sulu!" I also believe in sharing the details, all of the details, that enrich the story for the listener. At least, I assumed that to be the case--again, incorrectly, according to my impatient listener. For story-tellers, one and all, the dilemma is how to capture and keep the attention of your listener without going on too long and losing them.
So I tried a new approach--"Man, woman, hiking, bad fall, rescued!" Her response?
"Got it--now tell me more!".....Sigh.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
About Me
- Dottie Van Steinburg
- Maryland, United States
- Dorothy M. Van Steinburg (Dottie) is a retired Federal employee with over 25 years experience in the human resources management function. She holds a BS in Management and Art, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and also a Certified Professional In Learning & Performance (CPLP). She is the President/CEO of Van Steinburg Enterprises, LLC, an independent consulting firm, and firmly believes that the ability to "tell the story" is a critical skill both as a human being and as a professional in any career.
I love your stories. Keep them as long as you like.
ReplyDelete