How to become a storytelling expert
“Scratch the surface in a typical boardroom and we’re all just cavemen with briefcases, hungry for a wise person to tell us stories.”
What does it take to become a storytelling expert?
The short answer is a combination of theory backed up by a lot of practice.
Sadly, there are no shortcuts.
Getting started on your journey is the hardest part, and often it can be so daunting that you’re not sure where to begin.
With this in mind, we take a look look at some of the top resources to aid you on your journey to becoming a talented storyteller.
5 Books To Devour
Below are some of the best reading materials on the art of storytelling. If you manage to make it through all of them, you will have a strong foundation upon which to hone your skills.
1. The Storyteller’s Secret by Carmine Gallo
Carmine Gallo is a best-selling author and communications expert. In this book, he reveals the secrets to telling powerful stories using fifty lessons from visionary leaders. If you’re keen on becoming a better public speaker, his book Talk Like TED is worth reading too.
2. Into The Woods by John Yorke
John Yorke is the creator of the prestigious BBC Writers' Academy, and in this book, he gets straight to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.
3. Wired For Story by Lisa Kron
This book takes a scientific approach to understand the power of stories backed by recent breakthroughs in neuroscience. Using examples from novels, screenplays, and short stories, it offers a revolutionary look at stories as the brain experiences them. Each chapter explores an aspect of the brain and ways to work with them to boost the impact of your storytelling.
4. The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
Plenty of great case studies that demonstrate the power of storytelling. Each one shows how you can use stories to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts and bullet points can't. Simmons also shares the six stories you need to know how to tell and demonstrates how they can be applied.
5. Made To Stick by Chip & Dan Heath
This isn’t strictly a book about storytelling, but it’s still an excellent resource. Chip and Dan Heath have spent years studying why we get hooked on certain information and ignore others. Packed full of case histories and incredible anecdotes, this book offers practical insights that you can apply to your own storytelling endeavours.
5 Podcasts To Charm Your Ears
Not much of a reader? Try listening to these podcasts, which are all brilliant examples of good storytelling. Make a note of the techniques they use and incorporate them into your own tales.
One of the earliest podcasts that focused on just telling stories. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. Compelling stuff.
2. StartUp by @Gimletmedia
This is a highly listenable series about what it's really like to start a business. Gimlet media has gone on to be extremely successful, and the founder’s talent for telling stories is the reason why.
3. The Memory Palace by @thememorypalace
“Short, surprising stories of the past, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hysterical, often a little bit of both.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
4. Welcome to Night Vale by @NightValeRadio
Brilliant fictional storytelling about the mysterious desert town of Night Vale, where every conspiracy theory is true. Tune in to find out what happens next.
5. Thinking Sideways by @ThinkinSideways
The engaging trio of Devin, Joe and Steve sit down every week to discuss unsolved mysteries of all kinds: weird noises, strange websites and horrific suicides that look a lot like murders. Fascinating stuff.
5 Talks To Inspire
Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the world’s greatest storytellers doing their thing. Lots of lessons to be learnt.
Andrew Stanton has worked at the highly regarded animation company Pixar since 1990. There, he has been involved in writing, directing and producing some of the world’s most loved animated films including, Toy Story, Finding Nemo and WALL-E. In this popular TED talk, he shares his secrets to making great stories.
2. The Magical Science Of Storytelling
David JP Phillips' talk is full of good stories and peppered with humorous moments. In it, he shares some of the key neuroscience behind storytelling. He explains that we actually 'feel' great stories because they promote the release of the endorphin dopamine and other hormones into our bloodstream. Spooky!
You may have seen the Hollywood movie of the same title. The story of Frank Abagnale Jr.'s life is stranger than fiction. Okay, so this one’s not specifically about storytelling, but it is an example of a masterful storyteller at work. It’s incredible how the time seems to fly watching what is, in reality, quite a long talk.
J.J. Abrams created the popular TV show Lost as well as directing movies such as Cloverfield. In this TED talk, he discusses the importance of curiosity when it comes to storytelling. Describing the influence of his grandfather on him as a child, he recalls how he was always fascinated with knowing how things work.
5. The Mystery Of Storytelling
Julian Friedmann is a publisher with 40 years of experience working with writers. He mentions some of the important lessons he's learnt during that time of what makes for a good story. Friedman passionately believes the key to better storytelling is understanding that it is more about the audience than the writer.
To learn more about the art of storytelling, check out our course made in collaboration with some of the world’s top experts. Your journey to becoming a better storyteller starts today.
