storytellingwhile

Storytellingwhile is a neologism describing a narrative approach in which storytelling is presented concurrently with another activity. The core idea is that the narrative unfolds while the performative, educational, or demonstrative task is carried out, creating an intertwined experience rather than a linear sequence of scenes and commentary.

Origins and usage: The term appears in online discussions and niche scholarship on multimodal storytelling and live performance. It is not widely standardized and has been used variably to describe practices such as narrating while coding in live streams, narrating while demonstrating algorithms, or telling a story during a hands-on workshop.

Practice and examples: In classroom settings, educators may use storytellingwhile by having a teacher narrate a historical account while exhibiting primary sources on screen; in digital media, creators may tell a story while presenting data visualizations or while interacting with software. In arts and performance, performers might weave narrative voiceover with concurrent actions, choreography, or stage effects to produce a synchronized experience.

Impact and reception: Proponents argue that it enhances engagement and contextual understanding by linking narrative to action. Critics note potential confusion if narrative and task compete for attention, and that clarity depends on pacing, design, and the relative prominence of each element within the shared frame.

See also: storytelling, multimodal communication, live coding, performative storytelling, transmedia storytelling.