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)

[@lynettefinch281]

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

[@cartergomez5390]

I want to emphasize that this is a great social justice initiative about storytelling and it's the cornerstone of community.

[@charlessmith1718]

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.

[@thevoid2285]

That's love in a nutshell man..vulnerability + courage,giving only to be given,that's part of the Art of Loving,and knowing there is nothing stronger..hate gets buried,real love is forever,spread kindness spread love,its contagious..F the virus

[@ahmedserageldin7851]

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.

[@sandipd201]

I'm think it is only art. Between every art 🙂

[@ajmerkow]

She definitely has great personality and makes a powerful positive connection with the audience, including me. I loved listening to her talk.

[@kathleenrasing6818]

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

[@sivadasbalakrishnan5711]

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

[@lmychocolate]

This is amazing!! I wonder if that delivery man saw this Ted talk...haha

[@Marquis-Sade]

Maybe fake?

[@drditup]

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

[@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!

[@ahmedserageldin7851]

who 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.

[@hannahharmon7829]

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

[@paullaverysupport2127]

Had everything. Hooked me until last moment. Top-drawer that lady

[@tairex1]

Andrea Gibbs is my heroine

[@matthewfannnnn]

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

[@sunilkulkarni5212]

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

[@clarebeckett-mcinroy7953]

Love the tone, humour and passion - compelling

[@paulcharles4392]

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!

[@oriolowogideon5129]

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

[@anachelseafg8618]

what a wonderful story i had to stop all I was doing to give it my full undivided attention and I almost cried. what a wonderful story I was at the edge of my seat filled with excitement thank you for sharing.

[@BillyReedMusic]

Great story. Very touching.

[@carolweathersbee8627]

Love this! 👏

[@raykaravaki904]

Wow! you sure do know how to capture your audience. Awesome!

[@MatthieuBar]

Well, Andrea you're right. The greatest achievement here is that you tried, maybe next time it works. If you don't try, you don't know

[@jessephillips1362]

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

[@valentinekorir1725]

The best Tedx Talk ever!

[@najmahussain1484]

This brought a tear to my eyes

[@johnathandupree4690]

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.

[@lienhoa_12]

the best Ted Talk i ever watched

[@edwardkay2743]

That was wonderful and brave, the essence of good storytelling! Yes, one of my favourite Ted talks as well!

[@amigoprovocante]

Simply brilliant and in our face. Way to go Andrea.

[@clarasheart11]

one of the best story I've heard. Thanks for sharing mate

[@oriolowogideon5129]

Laughed all through... This is entertaining

[@kikiperry8176]

What an amazing story of courage, creativity, risk and oops!! But MOST of all, what a generous sentiment at the end!!!!

[@mahmoodulhassan5827]

Brilliant and beautiful way of story telling!

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

In awe x

[@richardoneill9848]

Very cool!

[@ravinderbisht190]

Great lines Andrea ....If we take some risk,and we show that we are human and vulnerable, thats where the best stories lie...

[@Show_Cast]

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

[@jacquirosser3620]

Fabulous.I loved your style, charisma and vulnerability. You wowed and inspired me

[@thumbprint7150]

Hi Andrea, you made me laugh today. Thank you.

[@BracketReviews]

This is really interesting and captivating. Awesome.

[@Leto85]

Now that's a great message that she gave. It is indeed where the best stories lies. I'm glad I now have her number. :)

[@CV_tbv]

MARVELLOUS SPEECH

[@matts6165]

You are such an amazing storyteller and you have such a cool personality! Thanks for sharing :)

[@moonknightbliss]

That was an amazing story, thank you!

[@thevoid2285]

"Show that we're human"👍say hi,give simple compliments and be human..I recently picked up that same mindset about giving girls a story to look back at,something to smile about and yes feel less lonely or more confident when they remember,thank you for helping me know that is a great way to spend how ever much time I'll be here Andrea*I cant love them all but ill tell as many as I can I hope they see how beautiful they really are,every time they look in mirror..women make the world better,if I can help them do that or in anyway I will

[@nepashas]

This story\act is very human in a good way, thank you for that!

[@MichaelLuchiesTrepRep]

Love this! You're awesome Andrea! Good going taking a risk, I'm sure you made his day and you'll never be wondering "what if?"

[@KateCulver]

So true, Michael, nothing worse than spending years telling the "if only" story!

[@arthurthomasware5004]

Brilliant, Andrea. Loved it! So many laughs. And you're right. Our life is stories amid the bigger story of 'cradle to grave.; Thanks so much.

[@Jgift_9x]

Beautiful!

[@palabu11]

One word: You are awesome

[@marcusfung70]

awesome tale thank you!!! and helped me feel better about being rejected by the girl at the library i been crushing on for 2 years, and finally i said enough!!! i will ask her!

[@jacquelinelopez9220]

You' re very talented!

[@sumitsinghstories]

Love this story!

[@timkjohnsonjr]

This was the best!!

[@amindamit]

Awesome story telling

[@kingsta4145]

Loved this message

[@ComedyHubNerd]

This was beautiful!!!!'

[@Vaninahypnotherapy]

Very Humorous

[@DangerousWordsPodcast]

I love her

[@Assortment54321]

This was great!

[@tabethabeggs9515]

That was awesome!

[@JuberKnows]

Loved it!

[@ksvkr]

You are wonderful. :)

[@PHARMACISTPERU]

Excelente forma de narrar la historia!!!🎉😊

[@dhcp1rx18]

great story

[@pramodtiruwalbishwokarma1997]

@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!!

[@StorybooksAlive]

AWESOME, ANDREA! WHO'S THE LUCKY GUY, NOW?

[@authoralecgould1737]

Very beautiful my friend, very beautiful! {{}} Thank you for sharing! :)

[@socialmediasakini5440]

It's great talk I have really enjoyed listening this awesome and funny story. Thank you Andrea. Now I have a story to tell: your story that entertained me so much.

[@sherlockholmes3108]

Cheers !

[@beth1849]

Loved it!!! 🤍

[@lizzie8483]

great finale

[@zhuopeggy5511]

so beautiful

[@TheBigdaddyremi]

Just another reason I want to go to Australia.

[@Taylor-jq6gu]

I was a little disappointed to find the story did not match the video description whatsoever. But it was still a sweet story about working up the courage to do something!

[@ahmadalmelhim1275]

Hahaha, this was awesome, I loved her

[@bhawnasharma2656]

Amazzzing ❤❤

[@merlinnetto]

Wow...Well Done.

[@janice-music9324]

I just fell in love.

[@abhipatil4844]

Good one Andrea

[@salimpatel4620]

Brilliant

[@sonnybrown4758]

Why am I crying? It’s not from laughter, though I am laughing.

[@koenignero]

Weird, same here

[@blackburnfamily7946]

loved it :)

[@moshefabrikant1]

4:22 Wow. Really remember that.

[@__-cd9ug]

I'm 22 and I guess I've never taken a risk - she kind of made me wish I had

[@zaolodyckm2296]

Im 28 and regretting not taking risks.

[@MakingCHAMPS]

Wow. That was amazing performance. Does she also speak at Toastmasters? If not, she should give it a try.

[@dianadevlin3717]

Class act

[@akhleshtripathi2082]

Wow what a story

[@cxa011500]

Good stuff

[@kandacenoire]

I once put a note on a guys car like a punk. He text me thanks and that he had a girlfriend. Kudos to you.

[@jrbaboon]

This video does not match its description :(

[@Assortment54321]

jrbaboon Agreed. Still was entertained. :P

[@thecorona1784]

Exactly

[@valeriebwilliams701]

good job

[@johneyon5257]

this is not about learning to be a writer - however! - it's is a compelling story beautifully told - and examining it can tell you how to tell other stories - hopefully yours will turn out as amusing & moving - as engrossing

[@bjorndunderbeck]

'texta'. haven't heard that in a while!

[@DJSTOEK]

She's cool

[@gabrielavillarroel9408]

The auto-generated captions are inaccurate (as always). Please add proper captions.

[@mohamedabdlaal]

Sooo cute 😍

[@NahzCoding101]

Helped me your content.

[@saikopiratos]

damn, my eyes are burning ey

[@sheheerofficial4350]

Nice

[@sankarnarayanan9831]

May i know the "when she card showing ,background song what it is ?"

[@sharonparcell1210]

Prince