How To Learn Storytelling in 5 Steps

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares the five essential steps they would follow to learn storytelling if they could start over. These steps include telling tiny stories daily, finding stories in everyday moments, watching great storytelling to learn from others, joining a storytelling group for motivation and feedback, and committing to a big goal to accelerate growth. The speaker emphasizes that storytelling is a skill that improves with consistent practice, intentionality, and setting ambitious challenges. The video is a mix of personal insights and practical tips to help others become more engaging storytellers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by telling tiny stories daily to improve your storytelling skills.
• 😀 Respond with mini stories when asked simple questions like 'How are you?' to practice storytelling in everyday situations.
• 😀 Find story-worthy moments in your daily life using exercises like 'Homework for Life' to capture small, meaningful moments.
• 😀 Watch and analyze great storytellers, like The Moth, to understand the key elements of successful stories.
• 😀 Improve your storytelling by identifying and applying techniques used by great storytellers in your own stories.
• 😀 Find a storytelling group or buddy to motivate you to tell stories regularly and get feedback to improve faster.
• 😀 Commit to a big storytelling goal, like performing at an open mic or sharing a story at a wedding, to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
• 😀 Use the principle of 'Commit now, figure it out later' to face challenges and learn quickly, even if you're not fully prepared.
• 😀 Don't worry about telling extreme or dramatic stories; focus on making everyday moments relatable and engaging.
• 😀 Take time to reflect on your experiences, as each moment, good or bad, can provide valuable lessons for your stories.

Q & A

What is the first step the speaker would take to learn storytelling if they could start over?

The first step the speaker would take is to tell tiny stories every day. This includes responding to simple questions like 'How are you?' with mini-stories to build storytelling habits and skills.

Why does the speaker recommend telling tiny stories every day?

The speaker recommends telling tiny stories daily because it allows for regular practice, helps improve storytelling skills, and creates connections with others by sharing personal, relatable moments.

What is 'homework for life,' and how does it help with storytelling?

'Homework for life' is an exercise where you reflect on your day and write down one meaningful moment. This practice helps spot story-worthy moments, enhances mindfulness, and encourages finding deeper meaning in everyday experiences.

What type of stories does the speaker suggest are often not necessary for good storytelling?

The speaker suggests that extreme or extraordinary stories, such as nearly dying or having intense experiences, are not necessary. Instead, relatable, small moments in daily life can also make great stories.

How does the speaker recommend finding great storytelling examples?

The speaker recommends watching stories on The Moth's YouTube channel. The Moth features real, raw, and beautiful stories, and by analyzing these stories, you can learn the elements that make them effective and try to incorporate them into your own storytelling.

What does the speaker mean by finding a 'storytelling body'?

A 'storytelling body' refers to a group of people or a partner who shares an interest in storytelling. This group can meet regularly to practice telling stories, provide feedback, and motivate each other to improve.

How did the speaker's meetings with Leonel and Antonio help improve their storytelling skills?

The regular meetings with Leonel and Antonio motivated the speaker to prepare stories for each session. Knowing that their peers would provide feedback pushed the speaker to work harder and made significant improvements in storytelling.

What is the importance of committing to a big goal in the learning process?

Committing to a big goal, such as performing at an open mic or delivering a story at a major event, forces you to take action and prepare intensely. This commitment accelerates growth and teaches valuable lessons, even if things don't go perfectly.

Can you give an example of how the 'commit now, figure it out later' principle worked for the speaker?

In November 2021, the speaker committed to performing stand-up comedy at an open mic in Amsterdam, despite having no prior experience. This commitment forced them to prepare quickly, resulting in significant learning and growth in a short period.

What is the speaker's main advice for anyone learning storytelling?

The speaker’s main advice is to practice consistently, find opportunities for real-world feedback, and commit to challenging goals. Engaging in small daily practices, reflecting on your life, and learning from others are key to becoming a better storyteller.