Five Essential Storytelling Tips!

STORY JAM STUDIO’S FIVE ESSENTIAL STORYTELLING TIPS

1.     HOOK YOUR AUDIENCE WITH THE FIRST LINE!

Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end of some kind (chronological order can flip - try starting with the end, for example, and work your way backwards!), but what truly makes someone lean in closer to hear what you have to say is a strong opening. If you set up your story with a very solid, well-written or spoken opening, you will captivate the listener instantly. But...hold them with the content of your story too!

2.     USE THE “TRANSFORMATIONAL TRIAD”

The three elements of the “Transformational Triad” are:

a. I was this way; b. Then something happened to me; c. Now I’m this way.

The Transformational or Transitional Triad (a Story Jam Studio term), is a storytelling basic. It states that your life was moving along in a certain direction, then this thing happened, now your life is forever changed. We're basically attaching the beginning, middle, and end of your story to a broader purpose. 

3.     INJECT HUMOR WHEREVER YOU CAN

Humor engages people. Even if your story is sad, it's pretty critical to make your audience comfortable, and to show that you have a handle on difficult incidents. Hold your audiences’ attention by introducing, and re-introducing, some comic relief, even if it’s subtle, even if it elicits only a smile.

4.     MAKE SURE THERE IS CLEAR CONFLICT IN YOUR STORY

Every great story has some kind of conflict—whether it is with another person, a non-person, an institution, or within your own head! Share the conflict with the audience so they know why this story matters to you and why it should matter to them. The more conflict there is, the higher the stakes. The higher the stakes, the more interesting the story!

5.     SPRINKLE IN A SURPRISE ELEMENT

Nothing grabs the audience or listener better than an unexpected twist! We talk about this at our workshops. A surprise element can be one line in your story, or just a micro-moment, and it's a useful way to hold the listener's attention.

To see some terrific storytelling moments, joins us at one of our shows, or check out our Story Jam You Tube. We also hold classes and workshops for storytellers and business folks who want to make a connection with their audience.

Photos by Lee Klawans ©2020