Storytelling is a profession.

No, really, it is! You know that saying, “share a story, change the world”? Well, I took that saying for granted, until I met one vibrant figure.

Two words: Simply. Inspiring.

And it’s not your sit by the fire, tale-passed-down-over-generations kinda of storytelling that I’m talking about. Rather it’s about the present. The NOW. Alongside that is an alive, pulsating approach through the storytellers’ veins as he tries to convey the ultimate moral to a captured audience.

Imagine this scene: “Really! He just stared at me with wide-open eyes until I responded,” the storyteller proclaimed, as he himself acted out his words, scaring the poor guy he stared at (with enormous bug-eyes) right out of his socks!

His name is Michael, Michael McCarty. The way I would describe him is an energetic man with too many life-changing experiences – which make up the basis of his hilarious & inspiring stories.

I’ve found that this type of storytelling is an art that truly brings forth one’s character, and gives the audience a chance to understand the story at hand – whether it is one of emotion, imagination, or comedy – and see it play out directly in front of them. Watching Michael was a enthralling, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never forget. It’s like a lesson in theatre, where one portrays the steps of their allegory in such a fashion, that it is clear and relatable to everyone. Michael once said,

“One time I was telling stories at an elementary school in the Los Angeles area and after the assembly a fourth grade girl came up to me and was very serious. She said, ‘Mr. McCarty, I want to thank you for your stories. They made me laugh. I haven’t laughed in a long time.’ Then she walked away. I told the school principal about the encounter and she said, ‘That little girl’s father killed himself a few months ago.’ For that girl, at that point in time, being able to laugh was the most important thing in her life.”

There is a certain spark that these storytellers have; they can make literally anything interesting. One of them metaphorically described their library book as an eager, yet vexatiously stale (definition: annoying…yeah, I looked the word up after too, don’t worry) cookie… he obviously did not like that novel.

Anyway, I understand that some of us are not as evolved with our verbal expression skills – definitely not me. If I try to express confusion, people usually think I have to “go”… sigh. Even if you’re not good at acting out expressions like me, it’s the devotion to the story, the feeling that emanates from your words and touches the listeners’ heart that counts. Really, the only reason I’ve devoted a post to storytelling is the fact that it fascinates me as a profession, as well as the fact that it is such a genuine and simple way to make a real difference.

Stories cause people to aspire to achieve goals that often seem out of reach, but just knowing that someone else has been through a similar experience can do wonders for one’s confidence and character building.

So, if you know of someone who needs guidance, or even a little cheering up, don’t be afraid to encourage them with your stories! Next time you are multitasking with your mind running in a million places, and you bite into an unpeeled banana, (not one of my better days, trust me), translate that simple mistake into an inspirational tale (to use in a comedic moment, of course). After all, it could bring great happiness to your audience.

Through this medium of sharing one’s experiences, lessons can be learned, and exceptional ideas can be formed!

And here, I leave you all with a quote about storytelling. Hope you enjoyed this post!

“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” 
― Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus