The Boca Raton Public Library welcomes Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., for “The Art of Storytelling in Politics.” Dr. Neile is a professional storyteller and affiliate professor in the School of Communication at Florida Atlantic University. A former Fulbright Senior Specialist at universities in Jerusalem and Vienna, she has edited a special issue of the international academic journal, Storytelling, Self, Society, on storytelling in politics. She has also written on the subject for The Toastmaster international magazine and lectured on it at an academic conference in Guadalajara, Mexico. Dr. Neile coordinates the Story Central series at the Boca Raton Public Library.
“The Art of Storytelling in Politics” continues the library’s initiative on civic engagement and offers the public insight into the ways in which politicians have—or should have—used stories to lead. Storytelling has been a crucial factor in the political process since the time of Plato—who banned storytellers from his perfect Republic because he believed they were too powerful. In modern campaigns, storytelling helps build political identity and influence voters’ perceptions of the candidates.
“Storytelling is such a common part of our lives that we don’t always realize how powerful, persuasive and, at times, malevolent it can be,” notes Dr. Neile. “Come learn how storytelling is used by politicians—for better or for worse.”
“The Art of Storytelling in Politics” will be presented at the Spanish River Library on September 10 at 3:30 p.m. Register for this engaging presentation through the library’s calendar at bocalibrary.org.
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