Since most stories draw from real life anyway, the line between fiction and fact is often blurry, the distinction often irrelevant. Fortunately, the multiple benefits of story sharing are being increasingly recognized. In Managing by Storying Around, Dave Armstrong stresses the practical value of stories in corporate life. People respond at visceral, emotional levels to abstract principles revealed in stories. They understand, and they remember.
Humans seem driven by the urge to be known, recognized, understood, appreciated.
Some radio and television talk show shockmeisters exploit this urge by dredging up the sickest, the most controversial, the most revulsive stories to expose. Others, like Rosie and Oprah, seem to capitalize on the impulse without pandering to the lowest common denominator. But all depend on that basic motivation, the symbiosis of audience and story teller coming together to share stories, to share life, as it is personally perceived and experienced. Story sharing workshops and dynamic group processes offer anyone such supportive opportunities for personal growth and development. Journal writing and memoirs are a logical outgrowth of the hunger to record and share stories.