Reading Time: 10 minutes
Author: Kenal Louis

What is Oral Storytelling?


Oral storytelling is an ancient and time-honored tradition passed down through generations.

It is a way of sharing history, culture, and knowledge from one person to another. Oral storytelling can take many forms, from informal conversations to more formal presentations. Regardless of the setting, oral storytelling requires good listening skills and the ability to engage with the audience.

The best oral storytellers can paint a picture with their words, transporting their listeners to another time and place. When done well, oral storytelling can be a powerful and moving experience.

How has Storytelling developed over time?

Storytelling is an ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations.

The origins of this art form are lost to history, but it is clear that it was developed as a way to entertain and connect people. Over time, oral storytelling evolved into a highly respected form of entertainment, with skilled storytellers becoming famous in their own right.

In the modern era, storytelling has lost popularity, but it remains integral to many cultures worldwide.

Although, storytelling framework methods is still used to teach lessons, share experiences, and unite people. In addition, it is a powerful tool for exploring the human condition and promoting understanding and empathy.

A keynote speaker with a headset demonstrating what is oral storytelling.

What are the benefits of Oral Storytelling?

Oral storytelling is an essential part of many cultures. For centuries, stories have been passed down from generation to generation, keeping history and traditions alive.

Storytelling can also be a powerful tool for teaching life lessons, sharing values, and fostering imagination. Yet, in many ways, oral storytelling is a lost art in the modern world.

With the advent of technology, we now have easy access to written stories at the click of a button. However, oral storytelling has many benefits that make it worth preserving.

One of the most significant benefits of oral storytelling is that it allows stories to be personal and intimate. When someone tells you a story, they give you a part of themselves.

The story becomes more than words on a page; it becomes an experience you share with the storyteller. This connection can be potent for young children, who are still developing their ability to understand and empathize with others.

Telling stories can also help children to develop their language skills and improve their listening comprehension.

Another benefit of oral storytelling is that it encourages people to use their imagination. When you hear a story, you must use your mind to visualize the characters and setting.

It can help to enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills. Oral storytelling can also promote critical thinking by providing opportunities to question and challenge the story.

The Age of Information

In an age where we are bombarded with information from all sides, oral storytelling provides a much-needed opportunity for reflection and contemplation.

While technology has made many aspects of our lives easier, it has also adversely affected our communication and communication skills.

Oral storytelling is one way to help counteract this trend. By taking the time to share stories, we can keep alive an essential part of our humanity. Video marketing rely heavily on this.

How is Oral Storytelling used today?

Different types of storytelling are used as an essential part of many cultures today—children are taught about their culture and history, as well as to entertain adults. In addition, oral stories often contain moral lessons or messages to teach people about their own culture or the cultures of others.

Storytelling can be a powerful tool for people who want to share their personal experiences or the experiences of those they know.

By telling their story, they can help others to understand what they have been through and how it has affected them. Telling stories orally through narration in person is still essential in many cultures today and will likely continue.

Two keynote speakers addressing a student body with the benefits of oral storytelling.
A book opened as a symbol of written storytelling which has always been present alongside narrators.

What are some examples of Oral Storytelling in popular culture?

Telling stories is a centuries-old tradition that has been adapted to modern times in various ways.

One famous example is the podcast "The Moth," which features recordings of people telling true stories from their lives without any preparation. In addition, oral storytelling is found in reality television shows like "Project Runway" and "Survivor," where contestants must tell compelling stories about themselves to win over the judges or vote for their peers.

In addition, many educational organizations have embraced oral storytelling to engage young people in topics like history or science. Using this ancient form of communication, these institutions can reach a broad audience and memorably impart important information.


VISUAL Artist Using Storytelling to Build Art Brand

5,000+ Views

8,000+ Views

100+ Views

Storytelling to Brand Art

For example when I am not working on branding design projects for clients, I create a lot of traditional visual art.

This is an example familiar to all of us in the modern age of social media. 

How I use storytelling to share the artworks in progress, in order to attract clients looking for commission tattoo artists to create an original meaningful tattoo design for them.


Learning to be a great Storyteller

The practice is a time-honored tradition that people of all ages can enjoy. It is a simple way to entertain and engage listeners and can be an enjoyable way to pass the time.

If you are interested in getting started with storytelling, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Choosing a topic that will be interesting to your audience is vital. It would help you practice your story to be comfortable with the material beforehand. Engage your audience by making eye contact and using expressions when telling your story.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you will develop your skills as a storyteller.

5 Famous Oral Storytellers
(Greatest Storytellers of All Time)

Closeup portrait of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz smiling.

Source: https://stories.starbucks.com/leadership/howard-schultz

1. Howard Schultz, Starbucks

Howard Schultz is one of the best storytellers of our time. He has a gift for taking complex issues and making them relatable to everyday people.

His ability to connect with people has made him successful in business. Starbucks is a perfect example of this. 

Schultz took a small coffee shop and turned it into a global brand by telling the story of Starbucks as a place where people could come together and connect.

Howard Schultz is a master communicator, and his skills will be invaluable as he begins his new role as CEO of Starbucks. Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks will continue to be a powerful force for good.
Torso crop portrait of Oprah Winfrey in an elegant red dress smiling.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey

2. Oprah Winfrey, Harpo Productions

Oprah Winfrey is a renowned storyteller; She is among the best storytellers in the world. For more than 30 years, she has entertained and informed audiences with her unique style and insight. 

Through her production company, Harpo Productions, she has created some of the most popular daytime television programs, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Super Soul Sunday."

She has also produced many critically acclaimed movies and television series, such as "Selma" and "Greenleaf." In addition to her work in front of the camera, Oprah is also an accomplished businesswoman. 

She is the founder of OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a cable channel that reaches more than 85 million households. In 2018, she was ranked by Forbes as the wealthiest African American woman in history. Oprah's success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication.
Closeup portrait of Richard Branson in a blue polo reflecting thinking.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/RichardBranson

3. Richard Branson, Virgin Group

Richard Branson is best known as the founder of the Virgin Group, which consists of more than 400 companies.

He is also an accomplished author and adventurer. In addition to his business accomplishments, Branson is known for his ability to tell a good story. 

Branson has written two best-selling autobiographies, Losing My Virginity and The Virgin Way, and has shared his life stories in numerous interviews. Branson is often cited as one of the best storytellers in the business world. 

His ability to effectively communicate his experiences and lessons learned has helped him to connect with people from all walks of life and build a massive global brand.

Whether sharing tales of his latest adventure or offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Richard Branson always delivers an entertaining story.

Closeup portrait of Steve Jobs holding the iphone.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Jobs

4. Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.

Steve Jobs was one of our generation's best storytellers; he made complex topics understandable and relatable to the average person.

It is one of the reasons why he was so successful in his career. 

As the founder of Apple Inc., Jobs transformed the tech industry and changed how we use technology in our everyday lives.

His innovative thinking and creative vision have impacted the world, and he will always be remembered as a true technological pioneer. Thank you, Steve Jobs, for everything.
Closeup portrait of Mark Zuckerberg

Source: https://www.forbes.com/profile/mark-zuckerberg

5. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook

It's no secret that Mark Zuckerberg is one of the best storytellers in Silicon Valley. 

Whether he's talking about the early days of Facebook or his vision for the future of the internet, Zuckerberg has a way of captivating audiences and making complex topics seem relatable. But what makes Zuckerberg such a great storyteller? 

For one thing, Zuckerberg is incredibly passionate about what he does. 

He genuinely believes in the mission of Facebook and the power of technology to connect people and change the world.

This passion comes through in his storytelling, making even the most technical details sound exciting. But it's not just passion that makes Zuckerberg a great storyteller; it's also his ability to simplify complex concepts.

When he talks about Facebook's plans for the future, he does so in a way that anyone can understand. He breaks complicated ideas into easily digestible bits, making even the most visionary concepts seem achievable. 

Ultimately, it's this combination of passion and simplification that makes Mark Zuckerberg such a compelling storyteller.

He has a rare ability to make even the most complex topics seem relatable and exciting, which is why he continues to be one of the most famous figures in Silicon Valley.

Brand Voices of The Ages

As the examples of these five great storytellers show, storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with people and building successful brands. Each influential figure has a brand voice, even the corporations themselves, through the various ways they convey brand messages in their advertising and marketing campaigns.

Slogans, taglines, and jingles for years have been effective brand messaging tools used over the years. All businesses serious about building a brand must be able to clearly define their voice and message to their target audience.

Transform your storytelling into a powerful brand narrative with our custom logo and branding packages crafted to elevate your business identity. Let your stories and brand speak volumes together. 

As a designer, I have to be able to speak to my clients and viewers who discover my content online to showcase my personality, share experiences, and to connect on a deeper level. If I am unable to do these things and do them well, my business will struggle in an age where video marketing is more powerful than content writing like this or just an image post of a great brand design.

It doesn't matter how great a visual is if no one is impacted by it emotionally.

Storytelling is something we all need

Whether you're trying to sell a product or share your vision for the future, telling a good story can help capture your audience's attention and inspire them to take action. So if you want to be more successful in business, start by learning to tell better stories.

What did you find the most insightful in this article?

  • The same artwork and similar style of video editing and cuts. 
  • The only difference is the story.
  • One have over 5,000+ views and counting and the other a few hundred views.

Oral storytelling and visual storytelling are powerful complementary forces in creating a compelling brand identity. When combined with thoughtful branding design, they create a multisensory experience that deeply resonates with audiences.

Although oral storytelling engages the imagination through words, tone, and cadence, allowing listeners to form personal connections with the narrative. Visual storytelling, on the other hand, provides immediate impact through imagery, color, and composition, often conveying complex ideas more quickly than words alone.

When these elements are aligned with a strong visual brand identity, they create a cohesive and memorable brand experience that speaks to both the rational and emotional aspects of the audience.

Storytelling and Branding Elements

The synergy between oral storytelling, visual storytelling, and branding design is particularly potent in today's digital landscape. A original and professional logo design, consistent color palette, and thoughtful typography can serve as visual anchors that reinforce the stories told through various media channels.

This integration allows brands to create a unified narrative across multiple touchpoints, from social media content to product packaging. By weaving together compelling stories with striking visuals and a strong brand identity, businesses can forge deeper connections with their audience, differentiate themselves in crowded markets, and create lasting impressions that drive brand loyalty and growth.

Are you preparing to launch a new business or product? 

Or perhaps you need a logo for a trademarking process? Let us help you craft a powerful brand narrative that resonates with your audience. Book a call with us at Branding Design Pro today, and let's bring your brand story to life through expert design and storytelling techniques.

Branding Design Pro Past Client Projects

pizza restaurant branding logo design services
cbd branding logo design services
cosmetic brand logo design
cosmetic giftbag design
Beauty Product Packaging Design Companies
Beverage Logo Designer Service
Beverage Logo Designer
Alcohol Beverage Packaging Designer

Need help bringing your idea to life visually?

Let's work together to create designs that will reflect your vision and business goals.

Content Last Updated: October 18, 2023



About the author

Kenal Louis

Founder & Lead Designer
As an artist and designer, a lot of passion drives my work. Although an abundance of care and thought goes into the entire process, I strive to give my best because my work reflects me. Ambition leads me toward the path of graphic design. Along the journey, I learned a lot of valuable business lessons and became exceptionally good at recognizing great composition.

Instagram:
@brandingdesignpro

Youtube:
@brandingdesignpro

Leave a Reply
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}