See a photo of Kindra, her bio, Part 1 of this Q&A, and Part 2.
Q&A with Kindra Hall, Questions 4 and 5:
Q: Are there any current uses of storytelling that repel you or that you feel are inappropriate?
A: There are a few things to this. First, I need to be clear: whenever a story is told that is based on lies — I have a problem with that. Because we are so susceptible to the stories we are told, telling false stories with the intent to pass them off as true is entirely inappropriate. It is disgusting. However, I do not have a problem with people using story to persuade others. If you want to persuade, whether in sales, politics, or discouraging texting while driving, story is the way to do it.
I remember watching the news after Bush won the election over Kerry. A woman representative from each camp was on the split screen and I heard the Kerry rep say, “Well, the Bush people just told a better narrative” — as if that was a crime — as if telling a better story was a cheap trick. I remember saying out loud, “Yeah, they did. Good for them. Now learn from it.” Four years later, separate from political party preference, I believe they had learned their lesson.
As an advocate for the power of story, even if “my team” loses — I have to appreciate a well-told narrative, as long as it’s based in fact.
Q: If you could share just one piece of advice or wisdom about story/storytelling/narrative with readers, what would it be?
A: See the stories that are happening around you and tell them. Anytime you feel a surge of emotion — there is a story there. Anytime you feel yourself saying, “Huh. That’s unexpected” — there is a story there. Sometimes the smallest stories mean the most because our lives happen in a collection of small moments.