storytelling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to informal, depending on context; common in media, education, business, and artistic discourse.
Quick answer
What does “storytelling” mean?
The act or skill of telling stories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or skill of telling stories.
The use of narrative techniques to convey information, ideas, or values, often employed in marketing, education, or cultural preservation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling consistently as one word in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to carry connotations of traditional oral culture in British English, while in American English it may be more frequently associated with business/marketing contexts.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, with a noticeable rise in business contexts globally.
Grammar
How to Use “storytelling” in a Sentence
[Storytelling] is essential for [purpose][Adjective] storytelling can [verb]the [adjective] storytelling of [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “storytelling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'Storytelling' is not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'Storytelling' is not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Storytelling' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'Storytelling' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The festival featured some outstanding storytelling performances.
- She attended a storytelling workshop in Cambridge.
American English
- The company hired a storytelling consultant for their rebrand.
- His storytelling style is very direct and engaging.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the strategic use of narrative to connect with customers, define brand identity, or explain company vision.
Academic
Used in literature, anthropology, and media studies to analyse narrative structures, oral traditions, or pedagogical methods.
Everyday
Describes the act of telling stories to children, friends, or family; also refers to the quality of a book or film.
Technical
In computing/game design, refers to narrative design, interactive fiction, or nonlinear storytelling engines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “storytelling”
- Misspelling as two words: 'story telling'.
- Using it as a verb ('He is storytelling now') is non-standard; prefer 'He is telling a story'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'storytelling'.
No, it is a noun (and can be used attributively as an adjective). The verb is 'to tell a story'.
'Storytelling' often implies a live, performative, or crafted act, while 'narration' can be a more neutral description of the narrative voice or process.
Because stories are memorable, build emotional connections, and can simplify complex ideas, making them powerful tools for communication and persuasion.
The act or skill of telling stories.
Storytelling is usually formal to informal, depending on context; common in media, education, business, and artistic discourse. in register.
Storytelling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɔː.riˌtel.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːr.iˌtel.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spinning a yarn”
- “weaving a tale”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TALE being told from a STORE(Y) of memories. Story + Telling = Storytelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A JOURNEY (stories take us on a path), PERSUASION IS WEAVING (weaving a narrative).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'storytelling' LEAST likely to be used?