The power of first moments in entrepreneurial storytelling

Abstract

Our minds are built to remember stories. Recall watching and listening to an audience respond to the first moments of a story-what engages and captivates the audience? This paper explores motivational, attitudinal, and influential aspects of storytelling with an entrepreneurial streak and specific focus on the vulnerable introductory phase of student responses during classroom design challenges. What motivates students and the way they begin their projects or start-ups are considered during the opening phases of each class, during classroom dynamics and during the introduction of an entrepreneuring story. Stories are examined and informed by previous work. Storytelling is defined and measured by four concepts: self-motivated, ambiguity readiness level, passionate social connections, and empathy. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.