“Tell me a story about when you were young.”
If you’ve ever asked this question (or been asked), then you know the confused look that can follow. The question is way too general. Unless you have a catalog of stories already in your head, the mind goes blank. No memories are triggered. The secret is to use the right prompt to trigger memories.
Family storytelling is being lost as we sit at the table with our smart phones and in the living room with our televisions. We sit together, but we do not connect. Our personal stories connect us. For the youngest generation, family stories give a sense of belonging and identity: “This is where I come from.” Yet, the skill of telling stories is fading, and it is up to us to revive it in our families.
Getting stories from elders
If you are going to a family gathering and wish to hear the stories of you elders, don’t ask the general question: “Tell me about when you were young.”
People: “Tell us about the oldest person you knew growing up as a child.”
Places: “Give us a tour of the house you grew up in.”
Happenings: “Can you remember a time when you got lost?”
Donald Davis on why we tell our story
Listen to his inspiring words on how storytelling transforms the teller.