How To Be a Great Storyteller: Nuts, Bolts & Practical Tips
SUMMARY
Learning how to be a great storyteller requires structured practice, helpful feedback, and building your interpersonal skills, like active listening and asking effective questions.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
We all know the power of storytelling, no matter whether you are connecting with friends, introducing yourself to strangers, attending a job interview, or presenting a powerful leadership speech. In fact, most of us tell stories all of the time! However, we also know that there is a big difference between stumbling through an anecdote and the refined skills of a great storyteller.
For you, the gap between good and great might seem as yawning as the gap is between me and Lionel Messi in kicking a soccer ball. This guide will suggest some tips and habits that you can use to become a great storyteller with practice.
Learn the Nuts and Bolts of Storytelling
Effective storytelling is about several key elements: structure, relatability, emotional appeal, clarity, and conflict and resolution.
1. Structure
We all know the experience of feeling transfixed by a story. Great storytellers can make the audience lose track of time and space as we engage with someone else’s imagination. The secret is to give the audience the sensation of being a train on a fixed set of tracks, with a firm destination in mind. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get there; as long as we feel like we’re headed somewhere, we’re likely to keep paying attention.
There are many components of a story that you can learn easily by searching online. Here’s my tip: Start with The End. If you know how your story is going to end, you’ll find it much easier to lead your audience along the tracks. You can meander, just as long as you get there!
2. Relatability
As you’re preparing to tell your story, ask yourself: what will make this story relatable to this particular audience? In other words, why should I as your audience care? Find that relatability, and use it as a platform. By establishing what your audience cares about, you can decide what stays in the story—and what to cut out.
3. Emotional Appeal
Storytelling is a code word for “emotional language”. When we tell someone that we want to tell them a great story, we are making them a promise: over the next few minutes—or hours—you are going to make them feel something. All the tools and tricks of a great storyteller are designed to make audiences feel. When people feel, they care—and when they care, they feel!
How do you give your story emotional appeal? Here’s three simple ideas:
Characters. Great stories are about people and how they relate to one another. By characterizing people, you draw the audience into a relationship, making them more memorable and meaningful.
Action. Don’t just tell what happened. Describe the story so that the audience experiences it happening in real time. Let the audience “watch” the story unfold in real time, as if they are watching a play.
Evocative Language. Great stories are rich with imagery and evocative language. Think about engaging your audience’s imagination and taking them on a voyage through the world of your story.
4. Conflict and Resolution
Great storytelling is all about suspense. Suspense is the space between a conflict and its resolution. Don’t give away the end of the story too soon! Instead, think about how your audience can marinate in the uncertainty. Become comfortable with watching them squirm! Take your time, and enjoy the journey!
Practical Tips for How to Become a Great Storyteller
Ready to become a fantastic storyteller? Here are some practical tips to help you create captivating stories that truly connect with your audience:
Get to Know Your Audience
Take the time to understand who you're talking to—their needs, desires, and preferences. This way, you can tailor your storytelling approach to make a genuine connection with your listeners.
Share Personal Experiences
Weave in personal experiences and anecdotes to make your stories feel more authentic and relatable. Being open and vulnerable builds trust with your audience.
Paint Vivid Pictures with Words
Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring your stories to life. Help your listeners visualize the scene and feel like they're right there with you.
Have a Clear Message or Lesson
Great stories have a central message or lesson that ties everything together. Make sure your story has a clear point that aligns with your overall objectives.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, storytelling gets better with practice. Rehearse your stories and fine-tune your delivery. Ask friends or colleagues for feedback and keep improving!
Learn from the Pros
Study the techniques of famous storytellers, authors, and leaders. Look for patterns in their narrative styles and pick up new tricks to try in your own storytelling.
By following these tips and honing your storytelling abilities, you'll be able to create powerful narratives that captivate and inspire your audience. Remember, we're all natural storytellers—it's just a matter of practice and finding your unique voice. So go ahead, start spinning those tales, and watch your connections with others grow!
