How We Story

The Pacific concept of Talanoa

This week I learned about the Pacific concept of “talanoa”. This is storytelling that leads to consensus-building and decision-making. It is a collective or community intelligence process deeply rooted in the Pacific way of life.

Storytelling and discussion during a workshop with secondary teachers, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (March 2020)

With parallels to Australian Aboriginal yarning and Hawaiian talkstory, talanoa is a conversational mode of storying through which knowledge is developed, collected and transmitted. It is at home in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and elsewhere.

When we story, we embody our social self and deepen our connections in a dialogical universe. We know we are in a safe space.

​Talking about tok stori | DLProg.

The informal process starts with someone sharing a story, and then others in the group add to it. This continued storytelling helps build relationships, create empathy and understanding, and develop consensus. As the stories are shared, they also teach values, traditions, and customs.

Let’s explore how the concept and process of talanoa apply to leadership, learning and innovation.

Leadership

To lead effectively, you need to build relationships and develop consensus. You also need to be able…