The power of storytelling | Andrea Gibbs | TEDxPerth

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Stories are how we think and how we make meaning of our lives. What happens when the only story you tell yourself is the one about your mental illness?

Through storytelling we can understand ourselves better and find our commonality with others. We can share passions, hardships, embarrassments, joys, griefs and our overall human experience. Using stories we can connect and feel less alone in the world.

Andrea talks about her interest in the power of storytelling (the good and the bad) and how she’s seen it reduce the stigma around mental illness and give those that suffer from it a voice.

Andrea Gibbs is the co-creator of Barefaced Stories and a core comedian in The Big HOO-HAA!

She began improvising in 2002, then competed in the Australian National Theatresports Championships and trained with Keith Johnstone at Loose Moose Theatre Company (Canada). She won the Triple J’s Raw Comedy WA State Final (2005) and was selected to perform in Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s showcase show The Comedy Zone.
As an actor, Andrea has performed with Perth Theatre Company, REAL TV, Black Swan State Theatre Company and Barking Gecko. Her film/TV credits include Very Small Business (ABCTV), The Stepmonster (Nickelodeon), My Year Without Sex (2009) and Cookie Crumbles (2013).
In 2010, Andrea studied storytelling in New York with Margot Leitman before returning to create Perth’s most exciting storytelling show, Barefaced Stories.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[lynettefinch]

That story was so beautifully told Andrea. Sad, funny, embarrassing, thought-provoking, courageous. Well done you.

[pramodtiruwalbishwokarma]

@Andrea, have your ever thought of going into standup comedy? You will shine there too 🎉😊. Great sense of humor and great observation about storytelling. Thank you!!

[kathleenrasing]

Take a risk, be vulnerable, be human coz that's where the best stories lie. 💯💯💯

[oriolowogideon]

I've been watching and watching and watching and watching! One of the best TEDs I've ever seen

[charlessmith]

Before coming here, I got intrigued by Brene' Brown's talks about vulnerability and courage but I couldn't grasp how these virtues work real time. After watching this video, I understand how much courage is required to be vulnerable.

[Show_Cast]

Being loved is more beautiful than loving someone. Love others so they feel loved.

[sivadasbalakrishnan]

One of the best talks i have listened too. The facial expressions were fabulous, The story even more touching.

[drditup]

absolutely the most charming TED talker I ever listened to (and saw!)

[ahmedserageldin]

whoever said storytelling is a lost art ; movies and tv series are considered storytelling because they control your emotions from joy to sadness to fear ; storytelling in my opinion is one of the strongest weapons you can use to control people by controlling the hormones in the brain whether its dopamine endorphin or oxytocin and much more.

[paulcharles]

Andrea Gibbs - this is one of the best stories I have ever heard. You are an amazing story-teller - a rare gift and awesome personality. The point you made at the end couldn’t have been expressed in a better way. “Your Life is a Story…” and I wish you all the best. You Rock!

[sunilkulkarni]

Andrea - This is one of the best stores ever heard! Listened to it several times .

[matthewfannnnn]

We can't always choose the stories that we have in our lives but its kind of a beauty of imperfection.

[smithemu]

The last part was everything...TAKE A RISK, BE VULNERABLE...Wow!!!!

[hannahharmon]

such an amazing talk! was so engaged throughout the whole thing

[jessephillips]

Brilliant, and funny and vulnerable! Andrea you're fantastic.

[oriolowogideon]

Laughed all through... This is entertaining

[johnathandupree]

What a beautiful story and person. I loved her message and am inspired to tell stories even half as well as her. Truly a wonderful TED talk.

[RichTriggerBontrager]

Great example of storytelling. Storytelling is such a lost art. Great to see it's not dead. I'm adding this to my storytelling playlist. Never stop being creative!

[BracketReviews]

This is really interesting and captivating. Awesome.

[clarebeckett-mcinroy]

Love the tone, humour and passion - compelling