What Makes for a Good Story?

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Loke: We've been talking a lot about choosing stories. What makes for a good story? Love to spend laltl te time on on structure. You sort of like to lay out these narrative stepping tones, scenes, summaries and reflections. Loke: One of the things that make a story fall flat is if the story has what we call scenes. And so often if a story isn't working that well, it's because somebody is not taking you into the scene.

Did you ever wish you could be that person who captivated a room, a gathering, an audience, a date with a story that cast a spell, moved them deeply, then left you both more connected and alive? Transformed even? Yeah, you’re not alone. We all live lives filled with stories worth telling, but so often we don’t realize it. And few of us know “how” to tell those stories in a way that brings others in close, then leaves them changed. Most just think it’s a God-given ability.

But, what if it wasn’t? What if it was a skill anyone - including you - could learn? Would you want that? My guest today, Catherine Burns, believes it is. And, if there’s anyone I’d believe, it’s her. Catherine is the long-time Artistic Director at The Moth, the global phenomenon dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.

In our conversation today, you'll hear us dive into many of the ideas, tips, and strategies from her newest book, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth, which she co-wrote with fellow The Moth directors, Meg Bowles and Jenifer Hixson. If you've ever wondered why we care so much about stories in the first place or what elements make for a good story, you're in for a treat in this episode because Catherine and I dive deeper into the art of storytelling and what it takes for anyone, and we mean anyone, to craft a story worth listening to.

You can find Catherine at: Website | The Moth Instagram | Twitter

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Zoe Chance about language, stories, and influence.

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