A521.2.3.RB_FogartyShawn

Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story

Single Stories are often incomplete messages received by an individual which invade their imaginations resulting in a stereotype. These stereotypes are based on fragments of knowledge created by single stories which can actually “break the dignity of people” (Adichie, 2009) However, these same stories can be used to “repair” and “empower or humanize people.” Chimamanda Adichie blends several springboard stories composed of events from her personal life to deliver a powerful message. Her message is how stories can help form the backbone of society and provide empowering growth for the people within the misfortune state of Nigeria.  

            Chimamanda blends her stories together while constantly returning to how single stories can warp the perception of people and places. Her presentation is carefully crafted with a superb use of tone and inflection which helps the audience to visualize her stories. She applied strategic elements of humor so the audience doesn’t focus or empathize on a particular story but remains engaged with the overarching message of single stories.
            Joel Whalen (2007) outlines five tools of effective speaking. These tools consist of tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, word selection, delivery. Chimamanda uses inflection cleverly within her stories to allow the audience to grasp the very essence of her points throughout her presentation. She applies modest facial expressions during serious elements and smirks during the light hearted humorous stories. Her presentation allowed the audience time to emplace their emotions for both the springboard story and the over arching message of single stories. Her body language is quite reserved and she in no way distracts the audience from the illustration of her words. The very words she selected fit together like a puzzle. Lastly, she delivers a wonderful performance which leaves the audience captivated by her message of how single stories can help form the backbone of society and provide empowering growth for the people.

Adichie, C. (Artist). (2009). The danger of a single story. [Web Video]. Retrieved from

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Whalen, J. (2007). Effective Communications. The Professional Communications Toolkit. (pp. 15-27). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc..