Storytelling has been around for centuries as a part of
human culture. From ancient to medieval times, from oral traditions to movies,
stories have always played an important role in our lives. Stories have
influenced us in many ways and helped shape our understanding of the world we
live in. They convey information, reveal opinions or beliefs and values and
strengthen empathy on the part of an audience. Did you know, although it is still
up for debate, some research studies have found that neurons in our brain may
fire in a similar pattern to that of storyteller when we see or hear a story?
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in the world.
It is a universal language that can be used to convey messages, connect with
people, and share knowledge. We can connect with people on an intellectual
level or an emotional level. On the intellectual level we present statistics,
facts, and reason. When people disagree with what constitutes fact and reason,
they are already arguing with us in their minds as we present our case. On the
other hand, we may tend to be more open or persuaded when an idea is united
with an emotion. Compelling stories bring out emotions and can inspire us to
act. Developing a persuasive story can also be difficult. It takes imagination and
talent to spin an emotionally powerful and memorable story that will ignite a
thundering applause and not reduce an audience to bored yawns.
With the World Space Week (4 – 10th October)
behind us, instead of feeding you facts about aviation and space travel, we are
sharing JoAnn Hardin Morgan’s
story. She was the first female engineer at NASA and in 1969, at 28 years of age,
she was the only woman allowed inside the firing room during the Apollo 11 moon
launch. She spent 15 years working in a building without a ladies’ restroom and
had to resort to running to another building or using the men’s restroom. She
also dealt with some harassment and resistance to her challenging the status
quo however that didn’t stop her from shattering the glass ceiling to become
the first female senior executive at the Kennedy Space Center. [1]
JoAnn Morgan made significant contributions to the aviation industry and is a source of inspiration and a role model for others looking to do the same. Her dream of going to Mars has never been accomplished and she did not get to walk on the moon however she helped pave the way for many others to fly through space and land on the moon. [1]
1) https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-story-of-joann-morgan