In Their Own Words: Our homegrown storytellers share their favourites on May 21

In social settings, they’re never off duty. At a moment’s notice, they can be asked to provide a sliver of entertainment to a group of people.

They can be at a dinner, a kitchen party or a wedding, and they’ll be tasked into service. Reaching through their memories, they’ll tell a joke, a fable or a story of life. Perhaps a tall-tale will leave their lips.

Storytelling is a crapshoot anyway you look at it.

It’s not just speaking that goes into a performance. There are actions, remembering to make eye contact with the room, and, of course, being able to remember the story.

Coming up with a story cuff, or a tale that fits the situation, is a challenge for anyone. There’s the situation to consider, the audience, and what could be appropriate or not appropriate.

“You always have to have a few in mind,” said Newfoundlander Dennis Flynn.

A well-known photographer, Flynn is a bit of a storyteller as well. He’s produced books on the Newfoundland pony and he’s traced the steps of John Guy through Trinity Bay.

Through those journeys and others around the word, he’s amassed a wealth of stories he can share at any time.

“What story you tell all depends on the situation you’re in,” said Flynn. “If you’re at a wedding, you want something funny. If you’re at a funeral, you want something a bit more sombre or reflective.”

Stories can tell us a lot about the world we live in. They explore our fears, dreams and who we are as a people.

While he has a cadre of tales at his disposal, one thing is for sure though, Flynn’s never nervous about having to come up with an anecdote when required.

Flynn is just one of a number of storytellers you’ll hear from during TC Media’s latest initiative. “In Their Own Words” seeks to highlight the scores of storytellers we have in our communities and how their experiences have shaped their stories.

Watch for it on our website beginning May 21.