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Additional Strategies for Effective Storytelling

• Create Vivid Details: Use descriptive language and imagery to engage the senses, transporting
learners into the story’s world.

• Build Suspense & Emotion: Incorporate conflict, surprise, or humour to evoke emotional responses
that aid memory
• Connect to the Big Picture: Relate the story’s theme to broader course concepts or real-world
applications, reinforcing its relevance.

The FEZ Corner: A Storytelling Example in Action

Consider how I used storytelling and analogy in my FWS305 class for project business proposals:

• Analogy: The Free Economic Zone as a Thriving Souk
In the UAE, free economic zones (FEZs) serve as hubs for business growth, innovation, and trade. Let’s
compare this to a traditional souk (marketplace).

• Abstract Concept: Free Economic Zone (FEZ)
A FEZ is an area where businesses enjoy special incentives like tax exemptions and simplified regulations.
These zones attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote economic diversification.

• Concrete Analogy: The Thriving Souk
Imagine the UAE as a bustling souk. The FEZ is a specific section within this vibrant marketplace:
The FEZ Corner: Picture a corner of the souk labelled ‘FEZ Zone.’ It offers unique benefits: no market fees,
reduced paperwork, and access to a global network. Entrepreneurs here can showcase their wares without
usual constraints.

The Welcoming Atmosphere: Like the souk’s lively ambiance, the FEZ corner buzzes with activity. Traders
share stories, negotiate deals, and explore opportunities. The FEZ fosters connections between local and
international traders.

The Spice Merchant Analogy: Imagine a spice merchant specializing in rare saffron. In the FEZ corner, this
merchant can freely showcase saffron without taxes or import restrictions. Other traders, intrigued by its
value, incorporate it into their businesses.

Why This Analogy Works: Just as the souk brings diverse goods together, an FEZ brings diverse businesses
under one roof. The FEZ corner operates like a mini-souk, offering distinct advantages and fostering
economic exchange and growth.

So, when you think of the UAE’s FEZs, imagine that bustling souk corner – a space where entrepreneurs
connect, trade flourishes, and opportunities abound!

The Enduring Impact

Stories and analogies don’t just teach content; they transform learners. Well-crafted narratives foster
connection, spark curiosity, and make learning immersive. By embracing the power of storytelling in adult
education, we equip students with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

References:

• Gentner, D. (1983). Structure-mapping: A theoretical framework for analogy. Cognitive Science, 7(2), 155-170.
• Speer, N. K., Reynolds, J. R., Swallow, K. M., & Zacks, J. M. (2009). Reading stories activates neural representations of visual and motor experiences.
Psychological Science, 20(8), 989-999.
• Zak, P. J. (2015). Why your brain loves good storytelling. Harvard Business Review, 3.

Abu Dhabi University | ADU Campus Chronicles Issue 1