Everyone Tells a Story
Recently, I came across someone who vehemently argued that not everyone is capable of telling a story, and it seems to be a pervasive idea, whether it's through the medium of film, novels, non-fiction, or even blogs, that only the elite can tell a good story. Only those born with the God-given talent and skills can accomplish such an incredible feat of human ingenuity. And through a certain viewpoint, I can see their argument. However, I think it is a selfish, proud boast that leaves little room for the up-and-comer to even break onto the scene until proving that they have "the gift." I'd like to say one statement in argument that may ruffle feathers in the industry, but it's high time some hear it.
Everyone can tell a story, and everyone does. For centuries, without the use of paper, pen, and long before the advent of things like these blogs, ordinary people not born with "the gift" were telling stories of their lives, their past, their legacy, and people weren't griping, saying that they weren't qualified to tell a story. They listened, absorbed, and passed it on, realizing story's significance in our lives. We all narrate our own lives, whether we realize it or not. From the stories you tell others of how the car almost hit you on the highway to the stories you tell yourself to sometimes just get by, story is inherent in all of us, whether we're born with a gift or not. We all have the capability, gift, and longing to tell, share, and listen to stories. Granted, some may be better than others at relating specific anecdotes, but we all have something we care about, are passionate about, that we want to tell others, and that, my friends, is story.
We may not know the devices, plot points, or beats in the way professional story-tellers do, those that have practiced the art of harnessing their own stories for the purposes of sharing in the best way they can. However, our brains are wired to understand them, whether we're aware of them or not. We know what is supposed to go and where, though some like to take a longer road to get there, while others prefer to embellish the action. It's all about personal preference and language. While most of us in America speak the same verbal language, we all communicate slightly differently. This is how miscommunication happens. While you speak the same language, one may say something, mean another, and the other hears one thing, interprets another, and either argument or hilarity ensues, but I digress.
My point is that while, yes, some are better at telling a story best interpreted by more people than not, we all have the innate ability and desire to tell story, and why shouldn't we? After all, I don't know about you, but I serve the greatest Story Teller ever, and He has gifted me with the ability to relate what I know in a unique and special way, whether you communicate the same way or not. We all can and should tell story, it's in our blood. Don't deny someone that opportunity simply because they are less practiced at it than you or don't have the "proper training," whatever that means. Let them tell their story, and listen, because you just might learn something about them or even about yourself.
And that, my friends, is the ultimate goal of a story.