The digital storytelling process is emergent – giving rise to new meanings – with facilitators orchestrating the dynamic conditions that encourage intimacy, disclosure, deep listening and open, respectful communication.  In terms of talking about their role, there is a perception among facilitators that participants’ stories are latent.  In describing the facilitation process, digital storytelling practitioners consistently use language that suggests that their role is to bring the story from the private into the public sphere.  Facilitators talk about finding, drawing out, surfacing, or helping a story to emerge.  Related to this, there appears to be a shared belief that these are stories the storyteller wants to tell, but is struggling to articulate.  The facilitator’s role is to challenge the storyteller to dig deep for the story – to reflect on its meaning and consider why this story and why tell it now?  In fact, in the literature and in interviews, the facilitators often self-identify as “midwives”.  The facilitator must hold a space where the participants feel safe to disclose and receive feedback from supportive peers.  The facilitator’s ability to hold this intimate, listening space is significant and influences what a storyteller is able to reveal.  ​ Back to Stories from the Field...

…the way people help each other in a workshop, I think, is at least half of what goes into this work. It’s not just listening with your ears and brain, but listening with your heart. And responding in kind. And opening yourself up to the vulnerability of receiving input, and accepting suggestions and help, or even a hug from somebody else. (digital storytelling Facilitator)