How To Master The Art of Storytelling

Summary

The video discusses the power of storytelling, stating that 65% of conversations are stories. Great leaders and communicators throughout history have been masterful storytellers. The video outlines different types of storytellers and key elements that make stories compelling, like building anticipation, using vivid details, showing emotion, and having a climax. It emphasizes owning and sharing your unique story. Finally, it mentions using stories during tense moments and when trying to make a point or educate children. Overall, storytelling allows you to inspire, persuade, tap into people's potential, and create change.

Takeaways

• 😊 Most of our conversations are stories and gossip
• 😮 Storytelling is powerful for persuading, inspiring, launching movements, unlocking potential and manipulating
• 📚 Great storytellers create anticipation, curiosity, surprise and use vivid details
• 😀 Involvement, energy, timing, imagination and displaying emotion are also storytelling tools
• 🎥 Technology like printing press, camera, TV and social media enabled new forms of storytelling
• ✍️ Your personal story is uniquely yours - like a signature or fingerprint
• 👪 Stories resonate when raising kids or during tense moments
• 🎤 Becoming a good storyteller develops great public speaking skills
• 😊 Stories bring people together and help us understand each other
• 🌟 Share your story to make an impact in the world

Q & A

What percentage of our conversations are consumed by stories and gossip?

According to the script, 65% of our conversations are consumed by stories and gossip.

Why does the speaker say storytelling is important in business?

The speaker says that in business we can become very logical and focused on numbers and deadlines, but many challenges in business can be handled by telling stories. Stories help persuade and get a point across.

What are the 5 types of storytellers the speaker identifies?

The 5 types are: those who persuade, those who inspire, those who launch revolutions/movements, those who tap into inner potential, and those who manipulate.

How did the printing press change storytelling?

The printing press, invented around 1450, allowed mass distribution of written stories for the first time instead of solely oral storytelling.

What makes a signature, fingerprint, and personal story valuable?

These are intrinsically tied to a person's identity and there is only one of each per person, which gives them value.

What are some key elements of effective storytelling?

Key elements include: creating anticipation, building curiosity, using vivid details, managing speech flow and volume, getting audience involvement, conveying energy, effective timing, painting a visual picture, showing feelings, using body language, building to a climax.

When are stories effective in difficult situations?

Stories can be effective in diffusing moments of tension, validating a point that is being argued, persuading kids, and in leadership coaching and development.

Why does the speaker recommend becoming fascinated with your own story?

Because your personal story is unique to you, like a signature or fingerprint. You should make sure your story makes an impact on the world.

What previous business did the speaker run related to storytelling?

The speaker previously ran a business called The Story Builders focused on storytelling.

What is the two-fold purpose of this video?

The two purposes are 1) teaching the viewer how to tell better stories, and 2) encouraging the viewer to make sure their personal story makes an impact.