Campusalam

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For ages and ages in every culture, people have told stories. Very often they have told stories to teach, inspire, or quietly encourage change and new perspectives. Stories can come from Scriptures, or from folk tales or cultural traditions, be simplified from books, films or TV programmes. Some long jokes can even work as stories.

Metaphors could be seen as miniature stories, in a way. They can picture a situation from a different perspective and ‘tell a tale’. Proverbs can also be a way of making a point in a sideways fashion with a powerful image.

Here are some ways to use storytelling or, more simply, a good metaphor or proverb:

- Alone or in groups, have people think of a story for a particular situation – a story they know or one they made up. Or more simply they can find a good metaphor or proverb for the situation.
- When discussing a particular topic or issue, break people into small groups. Give each of them a story. Have them think of how that story might be used or interpreted to throw light on the problem.
- Where there are powerfully conflicting points of view, assign a point of view to each small group and have them think of a story, metaphor or proverb that expresses it or sums it up
- You can tell a story yourself as a tactful, roundabout way to illustrate someone’s difficulty
- You can use a story as an example to discuss, analyse, brainstorm on your own situation
- You can use a metaphor or proverb almost like a scientific model, as a way to suggest new directions to explore

What this is good for

- To let a different, more creative part of the brain take over
- To encourage fresh and creative thinking on a difficult issue
- To tap into traditional wisdom for a while
- To let the creative brain be inspired with a solution to a problem
- To allow people to see a different point of view, or see themselves from the outside in a disguised way

What's your favourite proverb? Or use the 'contact' button to send us your favourite story with a good point to it.