Exploring Co-Creation in Digital Storytelling
What if sharing your personal story could transform lives and promote healing? The latest episode of Co-Created delves into the transformative power of digital storytelling with Dr. Mike Lang, a renowned expert in the field. This podcast episode provides an insightful look into how digital stories are created and the profound impact they have on individuals and communities.
Digital storytelling is more than just a creative outlet; it is a structured process that involves voiceover narration, personal images, and video editing, all under the guidance of trained facilitators. Mike shares his journey from helping cancer survivors at Wellspring Calgary document their healthcare experiences to becoming a leader in digital storytelling. He highlights the power of co-creation and how sharing personal stories can lead to healing and empowerment.
Throughout the episode, Mike discusses the various applications of digital storytelling. It is used not only for therapeutic experiences but also for advocacy, education, and research. He emphasizes the importance of ethical storytelling practices and the vital role of trained facilitators in preserving the storyteller's ownership and well-being. This ensures that the process is not only effective but also respectful and empowering for the storyteller.
One of the key points discussed is the importance of having clear project goals and ethical considerations. Organizations use digital storytelling for various purposes, including raising awareness, advocating for change, and educating the public. For instance, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (Episode 14) and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families (Episode 19) have tailored their approaches to meet specific needs and missions, showcasing the versatility of digital storytelling.
Mike also highlights the comprehensive training opportunities offered by Common Language Digital Storytelling. This training equips changemakers with the skills needed to facilitate digital storytelling projects. ensuring that facilitators are well-prepared to guide participants through the process, maintaining ethical standards and promoting the well-being of storytellers.
Episode 21 Key Messages
What is Digital Storytelling? 3:05
Digital storytelling is a creative process where personal experiences are shared through short, multimedia-rich stories, allowing people to connect on a deeper level.
The Process of Creating a Digital Story 4:53
Digital storytelling involves a structured process with four phases: story conception, scripting, storyboarding, and final production, making it accessible for people from all backgrounds.
Importance of Story Circles in the Creation Process 10:05
Story circles are an essential part of digital storytelling, providing a safe space for participants to share their stories, receive feedback, and build connections with others, enhancing the collaborative nature of the storytelling process
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The Power and Function of Digital Storytelling 12:21
Digital storytelling functions as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and healing. It allows individuals and organizations to share stories that can influence change and build community.
Examples of Successful Digital Storytelling Projects 14:59
Various organizations and international initiatives, such as the Digital Storytelling Festival in Greece, showcase the global impact and ersatility of digital storytelling in bringing communities together.
In the podcast, Mike breaks down the structured process of digital storytelling into four phases: finding the story, telling the story, crafting the story, and sharing the story. Each phase is crucial in helping individuals create meaningful and impactful digital stories. The first phase involves finding meaningful moments to turn into a story. This is followed by the storytelling phase, where creative screenwriting techniques are used to craft a compelling narrative. The crafting phase involves assembling the story using video editing tools, and finally, the sharing phase allows the storyteller to share their creation with others, promoting understanding and empathy.
The episode also touches on the importance of planning and setting up a digital storytelling project. Whether working one-on-one with someone or conducting a workshop, it is essential to have a clear plan to ensure the project's success. Mike shares insights into project planning, including recruiting the right participants and understanding the goals and ethical considerations involved.
Another significant aspect discussed is the different functions of digital storytelling. From the storyteller's perspective, many individuals want to share their stories to help others or to make a change in the world. Organizations, on the other hand, may use digital stories for advocacy, education, or research. For example, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario uses digital stories to embed the patient voice in academic conferences, while the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families uses them for advocacy and education.
The episode concludes with a look at the international digital storytelling community and upcoming events. Mike mentions the first International Digital Storytelling Festival in Greece, where multiple digital stories created by the Common Language Collective have been accepted. This highlights the global reach and impact of digital storytelling and the ongoing efforts to promote this powerful medium.
In summary, this episode of Co-Created with Dr. Mike Lang offers a comprehensive look into the world of digital storytelling. It explores the structured process, diverse applications, and the importance of ethical practices and trained facilitators. Whether you are interested in therapeutic storytelling, advocacy, education, or research, this episode provides valuable insights into how digital storytelling can empower individuals and communities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that showcases the transformative power of sharing your story.
About our Guest
Mike Lang is a digital storytelling facilitator, health researcher, filmmaker and founder of Common Language DST. He has directed and produced five feature length documentaries and two web series about the human health experience in addition to publishing academic research articles and facilitating the creation of over 800 digital stories. Mike’s professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in an education/advocacy, quality improvement, research, and therapeutic capacity within healthcare systems.
Website: mikelangstories.com
All Social Media: @mikelangstories
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
