2184 - 3 Tips for Telling Better Stories in English

Summary

The video script is an engaging discussion about the art of storytelling in English, particularly focusing on the use of phrases like 'I was like' and 'I told' in casual conversations. The speakers, Aubrey and L, explore how these expressions can add interest and authenticity to a story without needing to quote verbatim. They delve into the nuances of using 'I was like' as a quotative verb to convey thoughts, feelings, or general statements, and 'I told' for recounting what was actually said in a more specific manner. The conversation also touches on the use of 'I was all' for emphasizing reactions or thoughts. The speakers provide examples and role-play scenarios to illustrate the natural flow of these phrases in storytelling. They emphasize that while these expressions are great for informal settings, they should be avoided in formal contexts like job interviews or business meetings. The summary concludes with an encouragement to practice storytelling as a means to connect with others on a deeper level.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Effective Storytelling**: Being good at storytelling is an important social skill that can make interactions more engaging and memorable.
• 🗣️ **Use of 'I was like'**: 'I was like' is used as a quotative verb to share a general sense of what was said or thought, rather than an exact quote.
• 🤔 **Expressing Thoughts**: When recounting a story, it's common to express personal thoughts or reactions to events using phrases like 'I was like' to convey feelings.
• 👤 **Personality in Storytelling**: The way individuals tell stories can reflect their personality, with some preferring to use 'I was like' and others 'I was all'.
• ⏳ **Keeping the Flow**: Using 'I was like' helps maintain the flow of a story without disrupting it with exact quotes that might not be memorable or relevant.
• 📉 **Avoiding Boredom**: To keep an audience engaged, avoid telling a story in a monotonous or uninteresting way that could cause people to lose interest.
• 📚 **Historical Context**: Storytelling is a fundamental human activity that dates back to our evolutionary past, making it a deeply ingrained social tool.
• 📍 **Regional Variations**: There are regional differences in how storytelling phrases are used, which can be influenced by local culture and language habits.
• 🚫 **Formal vs. Informal**: The phrases 'I was like' and 'I was all' are informal and should be avoided in formal settings like job interviews or business meetings.
• 🤝 **Connection Through Stories**: Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect with others, as it allows for the exchange of experiences and emotions.
• 📈 **Skill Development**: Practicing storytelling can improve one's ability to engage others and create deeper connections, making it a valuable communication skill.

Q & A

What is the key skill Aubrey believes they possess in a social setting?

Aubrey believes that being a good storyteller is one of their biggest skills in a social setting, as they enjoy making stories funny, interesting, and engaging.

What does L find challenging about storytelling?

L admits that they are not the best at storytelling and it's not their zone of genius, indicating they find it challenging to tell stories effectively.

What is the purpose of using 'I was like' in a story?

The phrase 'I was like' is used as a quotative verb to introduce a direct quote or internal dialogue, especially when the speaker can't remember the exact words but wants to convey the general idea or their thoughts.

Why is it less effective to use 'I said' in a casual storytelling context?

Using 'I said' in a casual storytelling context can be less effective because it implies an exact quote, which can disrupt the flow of the story and make it seem more formal and less natural.

What is the difference between using 'I told' and 'I was like'?

'I told' is used to share what was actually said in a more specific manner, whereas 'I was like' is used to convey a general sense of what was said or thought without providing an exact quote.

When is it appropriate to use 'I was all' in a story?

'I was all' is used to portray feelings, reactions, and thoughts in a more emphatic and exaggerated way. It is appropriate in casual and informal storytelling to add interest and engagement.

Why might using 'I was like' or 'I was all' not be suitable for a business setting?

These phrases are very informal and casual, making them unsuitable for formal business settings like job interviews or meetings where a more professional and articulate language is expected.

What is the significance of using 'can confirm' in the conversation?

'Can confirm' is a trendy and native way to affirm that something is true or to agree with a statement. It's a shorthand version of saying 'I can confirm that'.

How can the use of 'I was like' add to the interest of a story?

By using 'I was like,' storytellers can share their internal dialogue or reactions to events, providing a more personal and engaging narrative that allows the audience to understand the speaker's perspective better.

Why is it important to avoid repeating 'I said', 'he said', 'she said' in a story?

Repeating these phrases can make a story monotonous and less engaging. Varying the language and using phrases like 'I was like' or 'I told' can keep the story interesting and maintain the audience's attention.

What is the role of body language and facial expressions in storytelling?

Body language and facial expressions play a significant role in storytelling as they can convey a person's reaction or thoughts without the need for direct speech. This non-verbal communication adds depth and realism to the story.