(originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Once upon a time, there was a storytelling festival held in Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park called TaleSpin. I remember this 2008 event because I was recruited by Vincent Phipps to be one of the storytellers. I hesitated, but he reassured, coached, and encouraged me until I changed my mind and attitude. TaleSpin no longer takes place here, but I was set on a storytelling path that expanded exponentially. Vincent evolved into the top 1% of the World’s Best Communication Experts. This matters because in these “interesting times”, storytelling is key to being heard and seen.

Just days after the presidential election, Vincent showcased the “plethora of auditory excellence” of the 2024 PSK graduates (Pro Speakers Kit). They embedded stories in their keynote presentations and demonstrated what researchers tell us: only 5-10% of statistics are remembered, but 65-70% of stories stick in our brains. The graduates’ keynotes were full of stories that moved, inspired and encouraged all of us. Each of them were experts in their professions, but they all had pursued  very different career paths. Despite the different themes, folks in the audience said that they resonated to every one of the stories. It wasn’t just the narratives that engaged us. The tone of voice, body language, and the passion were riveting, which I suspect reflected Vincent’s coaching which I remember from my own PSK days.

First to speak was Donley Ferguson from Georgia. Unassuming at first, he hypnotized the audience with his stories about “All I wanted was a Yes”. His strategies for transforming the“No” have increased employee engagement and produced award winning teams for more than 30 years. Also from Georgia was Lt. Col (Ret.) Kevin McIntyre whose stories of military urgency response teams underscored his message: have a plan, adapt, overcome, and be unstoppable. Yes, sir!

They were great reminders that Southerners and storytelling go and-in-hand, as were the Chattanooga keynoters, Becky Tolbert and Ikeko Bass. Becky’s “Beautiful Violence” was an unforgettable series of stories about empowering women in self-defense. Given Chattanooga’s increasing number of active shooters, everyone in the audience will no doubt be on alert, practice situational awareness and carry bug spray just in case. And if you’re anxious and depressed, who isn’t these days, Suicide Survivor Ikeko’s stories are for you. You may not remember that 59.3 million Americans have mental health issues, but I guarantee that you’ll remember Ikeko’s stories and practice more self care. Thank you!

One of the keynoters from Philadelphia underscored our need for self care. Telling us his stories of dealing with MS, Ben Parvey showed us “A Light in the Mirror…” and then gave us “…a practical guide for living the life of your dreams”.  I took his advice, looked in the mirror, said “I love you”, and smiled at this old face. Then, inspired by Philadelphia’s Rachel Hooks, I looked at my bank account. Her “Financial Principles at Any Age” reminded us that self love should include a passion for spending less than you earn. I’m on it!

I immediately connected with the New York keynoter, Janelle Villiers, trading stories of growing up on Long Island, NY. Stories can boost conversation by 30%. So when Janelle spoke about “Letting go of Perfection: Embracing Excellence”, I connected even more and am trying to let go. 

But I’m not ready to let go of what storytelling might mean for us. Post-election, we were greatly disoriented and the audience entered with worried faces. The smiles, laughs, and claps changed the atmosphere. Our brains had room to ponder the future, to influence it. How? We must tell our stories and shape how folks think going forward.