The third time my head went under, it dawned on me that this may well be my final night on earth. And my final night on this earth would be shared with a Russian billionaire, a canopy of stars elevated far above me, and the dozens of rats scampering along the banks of the Seine. Anatolii was in the same predicament as me, and the reason we were both about to shuffle of this mortal coil, one rain-sodden Parisien evening.
Notwithstanding this ham-fisted segue, grabbing someone’s attention can often be done by creating a sense of anticipation. And this can be done by telling a good story. The one I started with is very true and very real, with only the Russian’s name changed; and it happened on the 10th of October, 2020. Both protagonist and humble writer lived to fight another day, and if you are still reading this, it is proof, if any were needed, that people enjoy a tale well told.
Storytelling is as old as humanity itself. Long before the written word, people gathered around fires, passing down legends, myths, and histories through spoken tales. It was a communal experience – one that connected generations, preserved cultures, and provided both entertainment and wisdom. A well-told story could inspire courage before a hunt, teach moral lessons to children, or simply bring laughter to a group after a long day’s work.
But today, storytelling is in peril. In an increasingly virtual and hyper-regulated world, we are losing the essence of what makes stories so powerful: spontaneity, human connection, and the freedom to explore all aspects of humour and narrative without fear of backlash.
The Self-Regulation of Stories and Humour
One of the great casualties of the modern age is the ability to tell jokes freely. Humour has always been an essential part of storytelling, offering relief, insight, and a way to address difficult topics through laughter. But we now live in a world where every word is scrutinized, and self-censorship has become the norm. The fear of offending someone – whether on social media or in real life -has led to an environment where storytellers, comedians, and even everyday people hesitate before sharing a joke.
For my money, the multitalented British actor, writer, and comedian Ricky Gervais hit the nail on the head when he said, “How arrogant are you to think you deserve to go through life with no one ever saying anything that you don’t agree with or like? I want people to stop saying that joke’s offensive. I want them to start saying I found it offensive because that’s all it is. You’re just telling me how you feel about it. There’s nothing intrinsically offensive about this joke. It’s trying to make ‘I’m offended’ sound important. It’s no different to saying I’ve got a pain in my leg. Right, I believe you, but that’s nothing to do with me. Then they go, ‘Yeah but you shouldn’t hurt people’s feelings.’ Well, you can if their feelings are wrong. You know if you don’t like the facts, don’t change the facts, change the feeling.”
Of course, sensitivity and inclusivity are important. But when the fear of offending overrides creativity, storytelling suffers. The best stories push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and sometimes even make us uncomfortable, because that’s how growth happens. If we over-regulate what can and cannot be said, we risk dulling the raw, honest essence of storytelling itself. In the words of Gervais, “When people say they’re offended … just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right.”
The Virtual World’s Impact on Storytelling
Another major challenge to storytelling is the rise of virtual communication. While technology has connected us in ways previous generations could never have imagined, it has also created a form of social isolation. Storytelling thrives on human connection – on body language, shared experiences, and the energy that comes from being physically present with others.
In a world of hybrid or fully remote work, much of our communication happens through screens, emails, and instant messages. Watercooler moments, the spontaneous storytelling sessions that happen in offices, are fading. Without these casual interactions, we lose the informal storytelling that used to bind teams together. Meetings become transactional rather than relational. The art of a good story, told in the moment, is replaced by structured presentations and written reports.
Reigniting Storytelling in a Virtual World
So, how do we bring storytelling back to life, even in a virtual world?
Encourage Unscripted Conversations
In remote work environments, leaders and teams should carve out time for unstructured, off-topic discussions. Virtual “storytelling sessions” or casual Friday catch-ups can recreate the feeling of gathering around a fire, allowing for shared experiences and spontaneous stories.
Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection
The most compelling stories are raw and real. In a world where every statement is filtered, we need to encourage honesty in storytelling – whether in the workplace, on social media, or in everyday interactions. It’s okay to be imperfect; that’s what makes stories relatable.
Support Storytelling in the Arts
Comedians, filmmakers, novelists, and playwrights are some of our most vital storytellers. Instead of stifling their creativity with excessive self-regulation, we should celebrate diverse perspectives while maintaining space for challenging narratives.
Create In-Person Moments When Possible
Even in a remote world, in-person storytelling still matters. Events, retreats, and social gatherings should prioritize storytelling – whether through speeches, shared experiences, or even organized storytelling nights.
Use Technology for Storytelling, Not Just Communication
While virtual meetings often feel cold and transactional, they don’t have to be. Companies and communities can use platforms like podcasts, live-streamed conversations, and interactive storytelling apps to foster real engagement rather than just disseminating information.
The Future of Storytelling
Storytelling isn’t dead, but it is under threat. If we allow fear and isolation to dictate how we share stories, we risk losing one of the most essential parts of our humanity. But if we consciously make space for humour, authenticity, and connection – even in a virtual world – we can keep the fire of storytelling alive for generations to come.
