How to tell a story

By Michelli F. de Oliveira.

Importance
Whatever the reason, were
all getting the same memo at
the same time: If you want to
be heard, youd better learn to
tell better stories.
Shared stories accelerate
interpersonal connection.
Tell a story well is an important
skill.

Most people dont consider themselves good

storytellers.
Reasons:
I tend to ramble and lose the point
I have a hard time gauging interest
I am never sure how much detail to use
I dont have good stories to share
But just because something is uncom

8 Simple Strategies
1 Engage your audience
Start your storytelling by interacting with
your audience.
Do something to grab their attention.
Ask them a question.
Ex. : Have you ever wondered why
the moth chases the flame?

8 Simple Strategies
2 . Build the scene.
Tell your audience the story in a way that
makes them feel like they're there.
Create the scene using details which help
them picture the action and feel the things
you felt.
Use words which create very strong, very
specific emotions.

8 Simple Strategies
3. Keep the flow logical
Don't stop to back up.
Ex.: "Oh, I forgot to mention..."?
Tell the story in a way that is logical and
flows smoothly.

8 Simple Strategies
4- Use Your Voice and Body to create
character.
Play with accents, speech patterns, and
voices for different people in the story.
You can add great comedic value by being
silly or stereotyping with the voices.

8 Simple Strategies
5- Talk with your hands.
Hands convey emotions. Hands keep our
audience focused. Hands create a feeling of
action.
If you don't use your body in any other
way, at least start talking with your hands
when you tell a story.
Of course, you don't want to go over the
top. Don't like...hit anyone in the face or
knock over your drink. Or knock your drink
into your face.

8 Simple Strategies
6- Practice.
Practice telling a story a few times before
you tell it to other people.

8 Simple Strategies
7- Control the environment.
Even the best story can be ruined if you
have to stop constantly because of
distractions.
Make sure the environment isn't too
distracting or noisy.

8 Simple Strategies
8- Allow for interaction.
You can ask your audience questions or
find other ways for them to interact with
the story.