What makes a great song? A great story!

When I think of people who are good lyrical or music storytellers to name a few I think of Jay-Z or Drake for rap, pop music Beyonce, R&B Tank, inspirational Tori Kelly and gospel Todd Dulaney.  Again, these are just a few there's plenty more. These artists do a good job at making you envision and feel what it is they’re rapping or singing about, hence telling a story. I read an article from NPR that provided a different perspective about storytelling in music. Check out my vlog and learn more about it!  

Storytelling in plays

I recently performed in a play called Spunk by Zora Neale Hurston at the Union for Contemporary Art in Omaha. First, I have to recognize The Union for creating a wonderful space in north Omaha that embraces the arts, builds culture, supports and teaches local artists throughout the city. If you’re interested in seeing any productions or becoming more involved, please visit their website: http://www.u-ca.org/.   

Back to Spunk! Spunk tells the stories of African Americans in the 20^th century. The three tales focus on men and women going through what the play describes as the “laughin', cryin', lovin', feelin' all kindsa pain' that comes from being African American.” The three tales display the dynamics of black culture which include stories of love, family relationships and the reality of life in the South for blacks in the early and mid 1900s.

The first tale called “Sweat” tells the story of a young washerwoman who is abused and cheated on by her husband but ultimately, she triumphs over her husband. The second piece “Story in Harlem Slang” is a piece about two street Harlemese men (described as male prostitutes) trying to out-hustle each other and win the favor of a woman for a meal on her day off from work. The third tale, “Gilded Six Bits,” is a story of a husband and wife who are deceived by money. The wife ultimately cheats on the husband in an attempt to help them gain “gold.” 

By participating in this play I learned the basics of acting, the process of identifying characters and allowing those characters to come to life on stage. I also connected with some amazing local artists and directors. I already miss going to rehearsals.  Being a part of this play also taught me three concepts about storytelling. The structure or process one uses to create their story might differ across channels (writing, movies, stage, music, broadcast news, etc.) but I believe these three concepts must be executed to successfully tell a memorable story.

1. You can't effectively tell a story unless you fully understand its history and all the characters involved.
2. A story can go where you allow it to go. You have the power to "show and tell" so do it authentically well.
3. The best part about storytelling are the relationships you build along the way, don't take them for granted.

I think back to the time when I worked in broadcast news as a reporter. These three steps were a part of every news story I delivered. I had to understand all the pieces and allow my creative pen to flow. Most importantly my goal was to find a way to connect with the interviewees and not just look at them as a “prize interview” for a story but a person whose voice/story needs to be heard.  Between storytelling in theatre and broadcast news, theatre storytelling is definitely my favorite.

Any theatre or performing arts experts out there? What are some important concepts about storytelling in theatre that you believe to be important?

What is storytelling and why does it matter?

What is storytelling and why does it matter? What makes a social media post go viral in minutes?

These are just a few questions I ask myself almost every day. On my job as the social media manager for a school district, I am constantly trying to figure out what makes a great story. Not just any story but the positive story that reaches national news headlines. 

About a year ago I purchased a book called Made to Stick. It addressed the “ingredients” of storytelling. While the book goes into more depth, I’ve learned so far that story telling requires you to meet your audience in three ways: 

1.     Appeal to the emotions

2.     In broadcast news I learned the WIIFM factor (What’s In It For Me?)  

3.     I have a problem, what’s your solution?

There are certainly more layers to this, but I believe it’s a good starting point. 

So what is storytelling and why does it matter? In my opinion storytelling is about how you make your audience feel. Storytelling matters because it's the best way to persuade, communicate, fulfill the needs and wants of your audience.

I think the best part about storytelling is that we all can learn to do it, whether it's through music, plays, video or social media. The art and power of storytelling is sometimes overlooked, but it truly matters, big time.

Can you remember the last story you heard or watched a story that resonated with you? What was it? Why do you think the story grabbed your attention?  

Here's a video story I did two years ago about a kindergarten/senior high school class reunion. What are your thoughts? Does it meet one or more of the ingredients listed above? Does it resonate with you? Why or why not? 

This is me...

I was a junior in high school when I sat at my first news desk. “Today’s Teens Tomorrow’s Leaders” was the name of the news segment that used to air on WOWT in Omaha. The lights were so bright for a moment I envisioned Michael Jackson on a stage with a glistening sequined jacket, platinum microphone, white socks and shiny black shoes. I know, random. Immediately, I tell myself, “Focus. You can do this. Shake off the nerves and pay attention.”  I took a minute to look at my script, then the teleprompter.  The floor director was in position to give me the cue and as I waited for the signal, my heart smiled because in that moment I knew I discovered my passion. 

My high school broadcast journalism class sparked my interest in communications and storytelling. In this class I developed a love for crafting stories and connecting with people. Hence, it was fitting I’d graduate from Omaha Central High School in 2005 and attend my dream school at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY.  There, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in communications and rhetorical studies with a minor in writing.  Syracuse University taught me the fundamentals of good reporting and journalism.  My education paved the way for me to work in broadcast journalism as a multi-media journalist in Nebraska. I have worked at ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates as a backpack reporter journalist, producer and anchor.

My well-rounded experience in news prepared me to serve in public relations at Omaha Public Schools. Currently, in my role I organize and manage internal and external communications for the school district, including managing and creating content for social media, developing video productions, publications, advertising and promotion plans.  In June 2017, the National School Public Relations Association awarded Omaha Public Schools the Golden Achievement Award for increasing engagement on social media. I created a social media strategy that followed a four-step public relations program: analysis, planning, execution and formal evaluation.  My goal is to build upon my success and enhance my professional growth as a communications expert. My long-term goal is to use my skills to start a multi-media company that specializes in performing arts and media. 

Rewind back fourteen years ago as I sat at the news desk in high school, I wanted to be the next Oprah Winfrey, the motivation must have been the lights hence the random Michael Jackson flash.  In that moment, I was certain of one thing, I wanted to be a communicator and tell good stories. Today, I understand I can tell those stories without a camera in my face and crazy deadlines to make a 5 p.m. on-air news slot. In this day and time people aren't running to their TV screens to catch the news anyway. A recent Pew Research Center report revealed that in 2017 viewership declined at local affiliate news stations. Even before this decline, I realized that I don't need a local tv station to tell stories. I can use my communication skills to help change the world, open someone’s eyes to a new perspective or even save a life right from my own desktop, phone or stage.