Michael Williams Bio from an Internet Search by Perplexity AI
Michael Williams, often known as "the Storyteller," is a Canadian-born, award-winning storyteller, writer, and story coach who spent over three decades in Scotland developing his craft as an oral storyteller[2][1][7]. He is recognized for using storytelling as a tool for healing, leadership, and legacy work, with special interests in therapeutic storytelling, end-of-life planning, and community-building[2][1][4].
His background includes:
A PhD in autobiographical narrative from the University of Edinburgh, where he also taught English and worked with the Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School[2][4].
Discovery of the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the late 1990s, which led him to an "apprenticeship" in traditional oral storytelling and ultimately to a full-time career as a professional storyteller in 2005[6][2][4].
Roles as an accredited end-of-life planning facilitator, memoir-writing coach, writer, and mentor, working with diverse groups including teachers, corporate clients, and those navigating dying, death, or grief[1][2].
Leadership and facilitation work—such as co-facilitating peace education and reconciliation programs for both youth and adults, using storytelling to foster dialogue and understanding across cultural divides[2][1].
Authorship of various works and service as Writer/Storyteller-in-Residence at the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead in 2024[2].
He has been involved in international storytelling projects, such as the Healing Words project in the Middle East, and has offered story coaching, narrative consulting, and therapeutic workshops in both the UK and Canada[2][1][4]. Williams is also active in community outreach, facilitating story circles in hospices and long-term care homes[2].
His approach focuses on "the power of stories" to support personal growth, community engagement, and healthy change, seeking to help others express and understand their own life stories[1][2].
Further details and examples of his work can be found at his website, michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com[5].
Sources
[1] Dr Michael Williams - Certified Guided Autobiography ... https://ca.linkedin.com/in/myendoflifeplan
[2] Michael Williams: Storytelling as a Healing Practice https://www.engagingpresence.com/michael-williams-storytelling-as-a-healing-practice/
[3] The Pastor as Chief Storyteller https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/the-pastor-as-chief-storyteller
[4] Michael Williams - List of storytellers https://www.storytellers-conteurs.ca/en/storytellers-directory/Michael-Williams.html
[5] Michael Williams https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com
[6] Michael Williams, Storyteller https://sidedooraccess.com/artists/MichaelWilliamsStoryteller
[7] Writing - https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com/writing
Michael's Methodology
Michael Williams' storytelling methodology centers on the transformative power of personal and communal narratives to support healing, leadership, and meaningful change. He integrates oral tradition, autobiographical narrative, and guided reflection in his work with individuals, groups, and organizations[2][3][4].
Key components of his approach:
Narrative Inquiry: Williams uses story sharing and narrative exploration to help people understand and reframe the stories they tell themselves and others, aiming for personal growth and positive change[2][3].
Oral Storytelling Techniques: Drawing on traditional oral storytelling, Williams emphasizes the importance of listening deeply, creating authentic connection, and presenting stories in ways that invite empathy and dialogue[1][3][4].
Therapeutic Storytelling: He applies storytelling as a healing practice in contexts such as end-of-life planning, grief support, mental health, and community building, using stories to process complex emotions and foster resilience[2][3].
Guided Autobiography: Recently certified as a Guided Autobiography instructor, Williams facilitates structured life-story reflection, encouraging participants to draw meaning and lessons from lived experience[2].
Leadership and Community Engagement: His methodology helps leaders and teams access vulnerability, authenticity, and mutual understanding through narrative, both in corporate settings and community forums[2][3].
Practical Tools and Reflections: Williams offers coaching, writing exercises, story circles, and workshops, as detailed in his book "The ABCs of Storytelling," providing practical techniques for shaping and delivering impactful stories[5][6].
Essentially, his methodology is grounded in the belief that "sharing and witnessing stories is vital for healing, learning, and uniting people across differences"[3][4].
Sources
[1] Michael Williams - List of storytellers https://www.storytellers-conteurs.ca/en/storytellers-directory/Michael-Williams.html
[2] Dr Michael Williams - Certified Guided Autobiography Instructor (Birren Center of Autobiographical Studies) and https://ca.linkedin.com/in/myendoflifeplan
[3] Michael Williams: Storytelling as a Healing Practice https://www.engagingpresence.com/michael-williams-storytelling-as-a-healing-practice/
[4] Michael Williams https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com
[5] Writing - https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com/writing
[6] Featured Book: The ABCs of Storytelling: Reflections of a Story ... https://markmcnease.com/2024/11/06/featured-book-the-abcs-of-storytelling-reflections-of-a-story-coach-by-dr-michael-williams/