Being a good storyteller is a pretty handy skill to have in life. I mean, if you’re a parent, you’ve probably told those classic bedtime stories like Goldilocks and the Three Bears or The Princess and the Pea a gazillion times.
Believe me, learning how to become a top-notch storyteller can make your parenting gig a breeze. But it’s not just parents who benefit from this skill. Business owners, employees, writers, teachers—you name it—everyone can rock at storytelling in their own way.
Now, there are a couple of things you absolutely need to be a storyteller extraordinaire. First off, you need a killer story that hits home with your audience. So, make sure you know what you want to convey and keep their interests in mind as you unravel your tale.
Oh, and how you present your story is crucial too, whether you’re spinning it out loud or putting it down on paper. What vibe are you going for? Are you rushing through it like a cheetah on caffeine? The way you tell the story determines how well your audience gets hooked.
So, I’ve got some nifty tips to help you become an epic storyteller:
Read, read, and read some more. The more awesome stories you expose yourself to, the better storyteller you’ll become.
Remember those stories that blew your mind as a kid or those authors who kept you glued to the pages? Let them be your inspiration when you’re creating your own tales.
Jot down everything. Seriously, write down your experiences, things you’ve overheard, or even your wildest dreams. You never know when those bits and pieces can find their way into your stories.
Don’t hold back. Let’s say you’re interested in telling stories to entertain your kids. Start writing them down or record yourself telling those stories to your little munchkins.
Who knows? You might end up with a book of stories like Frank Baum did with the OZ series or C.S. Lewis with The Chronicles of Narnia.
Stick to what you know. Share stories about stuff that sets your heart on fire. When you’re passionate about your subject matter, weaving a captivating story becomes a piece of cake.
Oh, and feel free to base your stories on real people you know, but change the names to keep things interesting.
Figure out what you want to convey. Are you telling a story to entertain and teach kids? Or maybe you’re using a story to sell something and evoke some serious emotions. The reasons for telling each story can be completely different.
Keep your audience in mind. Keep it simple for the little ones and amp up the complexity for older folks.
Kids have the attention span of a goldfish on a sugar rush, so short stories work wonders for them. And hey, too many details or digressions can overwhelm the little tykes. So, keep it simple, my friend.
Open your eyes to the world around you. Notice any unmet needs or problems? You can tell a story that inspires action. If you’re a business owner, you could base a story on a hot trend for your website. And even as a stay-at-home mom, you can use tips you’ve learned from other moms to spin a cool story for your kids.
Stick to the juicy bits. Sometimes storytellers, especially newbies, tend to go off on tangents that have zero connection to the story. Trust me, if you deviate too much, you’ll lose your audience faster than a cheetah chasing its prey.
Try jotting down your story on paper first. It’ll help you stay focused and avoid those rabbit trails.
Consider taking acting lessons. Acting lessons can really bring your story to life!
Get into character and try using different voices for the various characters in your story. And hey, don’t be afraid to sharpen your improvisational skills. It’ll add an extra dash of magic to your storytelling game.
Now, here’s the deal: storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with others. With a captivating story, you can entertain people or even ignite them into action. It all depends on how well you tell that tale.
Whether you’re trying to help your kids conquer their fear of the dark or selling a product like a boss, learning the art of storytelling will definitely up your game.
So, embrace the joy of spinning tales, my friend. Dive into those incredible stories that captivated your imagination as a kid. Write down your own experiences, dreams, and snippets of conversations. Tell stories that make your heart race with passion. And always keep your audience in mind.
Remember, a good storyteller has the power to captivate hearts, paint vivid worlds, and leave a lasting impression. So, go out there and weave your own storytelling magic. The world is waiting to be enchanted by your words!
If you’d like more information on crafting, structuring and telling your stories, please check out my class “Five Stories Every Entrepreneur Must Know How to Tell” at https://academy.nextstagecommunications.com/products/courses/view/1140316