Column Entry, “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning,” by Chris Hamstra

Column Title: Leadership Life Stories: Communicating and Leading through Your Story

Column Entry: “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning”

By Chris Hamstra, PhD, Davenport University

Description: There is a power when people come together to share stories. As people of faith, the practice and process of storytelling helps us understand ourselves, our communities, and our organizations. When combined with leadership, stories provide examples of how to serve authentically. This column brings people around the virtual campfire to explore the concept of leadership life stories and how to learn to engage people in the classroom and boardroom with wit and wisdom.

Communication as Communion

I had a new experience that unexpectedly reminded me of an old experience and how communication deepens communion with others in body and mind.

I’ve been in the classroom for over twenty years, mostly teaching the same Introduction to Presentation class. While I certainly still feel the quickened heart beat and excitement of each new semester, I was reminded of what it feels like to be a learner.

A StorySLAM Experience…

Standing on the stage at a Moth StorySLAM, I was nervous, stomach churning, and I lost my train of thought. Reactions that I take for granted now. Somewhere along the way I began to treat and teach these more as concepts and not a lived reality for most of the learners stepping up to the podium in the learning environment. I was reminded that storytelling, and communication, can be a full-body experience.

In my column, I’ve suggested that stories and leadership are the vehicles that create connection and shared meaning. As I understand it, Peters (2000) offers that a way to understand communication is as communion, a shared space where meaning is not transmitted as much as recognized. For example, when I hear a student-athlete talk about a tough early morning workout, I see myself 35-years ago hitting the weights, early morning to get ready for a baseball season.

…In Holland, Michigan

Here in Holland, West Michigan, I’m involved with Story Spark, a group of folks coming together to share stories on a bi-monthly basis. The goal is simple: share stories, have fun, build a community. Since Fall 2025, I’ve attended and shared stories during these Sunday afternoon events. The joy for me has been sharing the experience of other storytellers. For example, Jenny shared a story about a major life shift which reminded me of a similar experience 10-years ago in my life.

Story Spark is modeled after The Moth, a national nonprofit started in 1997 which is dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. I appreciate the simple directions that these stories are real, memorized performances that connect to human experiences to create a connection with the audience. Some stories are insightful, some a little scandalous, some outrageous. You might have heard these 5–10-minute stories on your social media feeds or through NPR. These feel like this is the Major League of storytelling!

…In Detroit, Michigan

I saw an opening in Detroit early January 2026 for “first timers” on the theme of New Leaf. Individuals who have never been on an “official” Moth stage are welcome. My story centered on the movement of the Holy Spirit I experienced in North Iceland that I share in my book In Their Steps, coming soon from Integratio Press. I decided to step in.

An hour outside of Detroit the nerves kicked in. By the time the doors opened I was sweating. I put my name in the hat and my stomach churned. That night, nine first-time storytellers signed up; The Moth picks ten speakers. I was guaranteed a spot to share my story.

Names are drawn one by one. Between speeches I’m hunched over reviewing my notes and the heart rate increases. I’m picked last (really!!) and take the stage. I take a breath, say my first line and my mind goes totally blank. Seriously, blank. I repeat the line, take a deep breath, finally find the second thought and complete the 6:04 minute story.

I ended up winning the StorySLAM! But that isn’t the point.

Communication as Communion: A Challenge

The experience of participating in the StorySLAM mattered more than the result. For two decades, I’ve asked students to manage the nerves as I pick names from a hat. Somewhere along the way, I forgot what it feels like to stand there and negotiate the anxiety, self-doubt, second-guessing.

I started this post off by talking about communication and communion. I want to finish up with an encouragement that communication and communion can go both ways. Yes, we hope students connect to the concepts. When is the last time you felt a genuine connection to a student’s speech or presentation?

Let me offer two challenges:

#1 – What can you do this week to intentionally place yourself into learner-like uncertainty? I’m talking real risk and trying something new. A place to feel the discomfort. Maybe this can help us shape or reshape an assignment. This StorySLAM adventure has me revisiting an assignment later in the semester.

#2 – I believe that communication and communion begin with listening. Leaving StorySLAM, I felt some connection and communion with the other storytellers. I was not an evaluator that evening. Meaning emerged for me in the “white-light Jesus moment” from Matt, the self-discovery from Alissa, and the feelings of a marathon from Nahem. Are you listening to the words and the meaning from students and faculty colleagues?

Stories provide wonderful opportunities to experience communion with other people. Let me encourage you to discover something new this week with your students, your faculty colleagues, and even yourself.

References

Peters, J.D. (2000). Speaking Into the Air: A History of the Idea of Communication. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

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