I love telling stories and teaching others how to be great storytellers. It is an outstanding way to become more influential. Stories make us think and feel. Stories place us into soul and out of our ego.
Storytellers are relate-able and like-able. Storytellers inspire and influence. Storytellers our leaders. And storytellers know how to move people, create change, and make a lasting impact.
There is a simple 4 part method I teach for writing the kind of story that does that for those for listening, or read it…the audience. Because ultimately telling a story is about them….not you. This will support you in crafting that.
Here it is:
1-What do you want them to know. This is basically the situation. What is important is the right amount of detail to create a sensory experience. Too often new storytellers give WAY TO MUCH DETAIL. Detail that doesn’t create a sensory experience. Sensory experiences allow the audience to see their lives, or someone they know in the story.
You want your details to connect to our senses: what is the scene? Can we smell or taste anything? Is there something about the space that creates energy, positive or negative? Are there others involved? Are you doing something we need to understand high level context?
2-What do you want them to feel? Inspirational stories connect us emotionally…positive and negative. Without knowing how you want the audience to feel, you will continue to give more detail of your experience versus creating emotional vulnerability.
3-What do you want them to believe? Belief is about connecting the audience to the deeper meaning of telling your story. Are your values in question? Is there a struggle we can consider? What is your internal dialogue? Are there choices you are debating?
4-What is the point? Ultimately, for a story to inspire and motivate, to heal and transform, there must be a relate-able “wrap up.” What was your lesson? What do you want them to know? What can others do if they understand and empathize? How can they grow as a result of your story.
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When you get ready to prepare a story, think about these four things. Possibly even journal on them. These method could go in order, more often they are woven throughout the story. Start practicing this as you speak and write stories and you will see how others are moved and inspired!
