Can a Video Dialogue Help us Communicate?

How can storytelling help us to better communicate?  That is a question which we are constantly asking ourselves at Real People Media. A good storyteller succeeds when he/she captures our attention and entices us to really listen.  Good storytelling enables us to empathize with the characters and their struggles, fears and dreams.   

Below is a video project which I refer to as a digital dialogue between Americans and Palestinians. For me it was an experiment in storytelling.  Normally we think that a really meaningful dialogue between people would happen face to face, but I believe this dialogue is successful because it happened over time and distance.  Sometimes when people are upset or very emotional, have conflicting views, etc. it can be difficult for them to really listen to each other. This project enabled Palestinians to discover American view points in a nonthreatening environment (their university)  It allowed Americans to safely express their views without judgement.   Americans from different backgrounds and view points participated.  Students and staff at An Najah University in Nablus, Palestine were able to read the American comments (in English and Arabic) and then respond.  I hope you'll take time to watch this 20-minute video and share it with others. We welcome your comments!  Perhaps you would like to start your own project?  We would be happy to help you!.