Ken Liu is a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of science fiction and fantasy. He is also a translator, editor, and essayist. In his keynote at WordCamp US 2023, Liu spoke about the power of storytelling and how essential it is to our humanity.
Liu began by talking about the importance of stories in our lives. Stories help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. They also help us to connect with others and build empathy. In Liu’s telling, the art of storytelling is a fundamental part of what makes us human.
Stories are a way for us to connect with our shared humanity. They remind us that we are all human beings, even if we come from different backgrounds and have different experiences.
Liu’s keynote has a number of implications for marketers and storytellers. First, it reminds us that storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve a variety of goals. Stories can entertain, educate, inform, and persuade. They can also alienate and divide people. He spoke of his own experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, where he was at a loss for the words to write, a writer blocked by the very stories surrounding him.
Second, Liu’s keynote takes us deeper into the caveats of the epic hero, where it is we who are the heroes in so many stories; the stories that we tell and that are told of us. It’s here that he reminds us that we can either be angels or demons to those that we love through those stories, and that our legacy lives on through the thousands of stories that are told about us.
Finally, Liu’s keynote reminds us that we all have the opportunity to write the next chapter; we get to decide what the next story will be. The best stories are those that connect with us on a personal level. When we tell stories that are relevant to our audience’s lives, we are more likely to resonate with them and make a lasting impact. It is up to us to make the right choices.
Lessons for marketers and storytellers
Stories can also help us to overcome our differences and build a more inclusive world. When we listen to each other’s stories, we can learn about each other’s cultures and perspectives. This can lead to greater understanding and empathy.
Here are some specific tips for professional storytellers who want to use storytelling more effectively:
- Understand your audience. Who are you telling your stories to? What are their interests and needs? Tailor your stories to your audience.
- Be authentic and genuine. People can spot a fake story from a mile away, so be true to yourself and your experiences.
- Be diverse in your storytelling. Everyone has a story to tell. Amplify the voices of marginalized groups in your stories.
- Tell stories that connect with your audience on a personal level. The best stories are those that are relevant to your audience’s lives.
- Think about the effect that your story has on both this generation and the cultural imprint that it leave for future generations.
Marketers and storytellers have a unique opportunity to use storytelling to make a positive impact on the world. By telling stories that are authentic, diverse, and relevant to our audience, we can build a more connected and compassionate world.
Ken Liu’s keynote at WordCamp US 2023 was a powerful reminder of the power of storytelling which resonated across the audience and he received a standing ovation. Storytelling is a tool that can be used to achieve a variety of goals, from educating and informing your audience to persuading them to take action. It is up to you to tell the story you want to tell, it’s important to understand the power of storytelling and how to use it effectively.
Additional Links: https://kenliu.name/
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The views expressed herein are personal and do not reflect the views of any of my clients or employers.
Photo credit: “The Storyteller” by Mike Shaheen is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.