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 communications coach Vincent Phipps to be one of the storytellers. I hesitated, but he reassured, coached and encouraged me until I changed my mind and attitude. While TaleSpin no longer takes place here, I was set on a storytelling path that expanded exponentially. Phipps evolved into the top 1% of the world’s best communication experts, and that matters because in these interesting times, storytelling is key to being heard and seen.

Just days after the presidential election, he showcased the “plethora of auditory excellence” demonstrated by 2024 PSK graduates (Pro Speakers Kit). During the graduation event on McCallie Avenue, 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. The students were experts in their professions, but they all had pursued very different career paths. Despite the different themes, audience members said that they were engaged with every one of the stories.

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 “no” have increased employee engagement and produced awardwinning teams for more than 30 years. Also from Georgia was Lt. Col Kevin McIntyre, (Ret.) 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 handin-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 selfdefense. Everyone in the audience learned about staying alert, practicing situational awareness and carrying bug spray — just in case! If you’re anxious and depressed — and who isn’t these days? — suicide survivor Ikeko’s stories are for you. You may not recall 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 about dealing with multiple sclerosis, 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 the face staring back at me. 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, New York. Stories can boost conversation by 30%. So when Janelle spoke about “Letting go of Perfection: Embracing Excellence,” I am trying to let go.

But I’m not ready to let go of what storytelling might mean for us. Postelection, some people entered the auditorium space 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.