Storytelling for Young Adults by Gail de Vos

Last updated: Oct 5, 2023

Summary of Storytelling for Young Adults by Gail de Vos

1. The Power of Imagination

Gail de Vos emphasizes the importance of imagination in storytelling for young adults. She explains that imagination allows young adults to explore new worlds, understand different perspectives, and develop empathy. By engaging their imagination, young adults can connect with the characters and events in a story on a deeper level, making the experience more meaningful and impactful.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should encourage young adults to use their imagination by creating vivid and detailed descriptions, allowing room for interpretation, and leaving some aspects of the story open-ended. This not only enhances the storytelling experience but also helps young adults develop their own creative thinking skills.

2. The Role of Diversity

In her book, Gail de Vos emphasizes the importance of diversity in storytelling for young adults. She argues that young adults need to see themselves represented in stories to feel validated and understood. Additionally, exposure to diverse characters and perspectives helps young adults develop empathy and understanding for others.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should strive to include diverse characters and storylines in their narratives. This can be achieved by incorporating characters from different cultural backgrounds, exploring various identities and experiences, and addressing social issues. By doing so, storytellers can create a more inclusive and enriching experience for young adults.

3. The Impact of Emotional Resonance

Gail de Vos highlights the importance of emotional resonance in storytelling for young adults. She explains that stories that evoke strong emotions have a lasting impact on young adults, as they can relate to the characters and their experiences.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should aim to create emotional connections with their audience by developing well-rounded and relatable characters, exploring universal themes such as love, loss, and friendship, and incorporating moments of tension and resolution. By evoking emotions, storytellers can create a more engaging and memorable experience for young adults.

4. The Role of Authenticity

In her book, Gail de Vos emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling for young adults. She argues that young adults can easily detect when a story feels contrived or inauthentic, which can hinder their engagement and connection with the narrative.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should strive to create authentic stories by drawing from their own experiences, conducting thorough research, and staying true to the emotions and motivations of the characters. By being authentic, storytellers can create a more genuine and relatable experience for young adults.

5. The Power of Voice

Gail de Vos highlights the significance of voice in storytelling for young adults. She explains that the narrative voice plays a crucial role in shaping the tone, style, and overall impact of the story.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should carefully consider the voice they use in their narratives, taking into account the age, background, and personality of the intended audience. By choosing the right voice, storytellers can create a more engaging and immersive experience for young adults.

6. The Importance of Themes

In her book, Gail de Vos emphasizes the significance of themes in storytelling for young adults. She argues that themes provide a deeper layer of meaning and allow young adults to reflect on important issues and ideas.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should carefully choose and explore themes that resonate with young adults, such as identity, belonging, and personal growth. By incorporating meaningful themes, storytellers can create a more thought-provoking and impactful experience for young adults.

7. The Role of Conflict

Gail de Vos highlights the importance of conflict in storytelling for young adults. She explains that conflict drives the plot, creates tension, and keeps young adults engaged in the story.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should introduce and develop conflicts that are relatable and meaningful to young adults. This can include internal conflicts, interpersonal conflicts, or conflicts with larger societal issues. By incorporating conflict, storytellers can create a more dynamic and compelling experience for young adults.

8. The Power of Closure

In her book, Gail de Vos emphasizes the significance of closure in storytelling for young adults. She explains that providing closure allows young adults to process the story, reflect on its themes, and feel a sense of satisfaction.

De Vos suggests that storytellers should provide closure by resolving the main conflicts, tying up loose ends, and offering a sense of resolution or growth for the characters. By providing closure, storytellers can create a more fulfilling and impactful experience for young adults.

Related summaries

• Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Rob Biesenbach
• Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
• The Art of Storytelling by John D. Walsh
• Storytelling with Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
• The Storyteller's Secret by Carmine Gallo
• Storytelling for Lawyers by Philip Meyer
• The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall
• Long Story Short by Margot Leitman
• Storytelling for User Experience by Whitney Quesenbery and Kevin Brooks
• Storytelling for Grantseekers by Cheryl A. Clarke
• Storytelling for Social Justice by Lee Anne Bell and Rosemarie Roberts
• Storytelling for Virtual Reality by John Bucher
• Storytelling for Sustainability by Jeff Leinaweaver