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How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns (RECAST)

Jul 23, 2018
Join Alan Alda, the legendary actor and communication guru, and Catherine Burns, Artistic Director of The Moth, as they delve into the art of storytelling. They explore what makes a compelling narrative, the magic behind personal anecdotes, and tips for engaging audiences. Alan shares insights on his communication training methods, emphasizing the importance of empathy and clarity. Additionally, Ingrid Kalfaller provides playful strategies for enhancing storytelling with children, making it interactive and meaningful. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone eager to connect through stories!
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ADVICE

Use Harmon's Eight-Step Story Cycle

  • Use Dan Harmon's eight-step story cycle (You, Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, Return, Change) to structure plots and scenes.
  • Apply it to scenes to ensure character-driven arcs and emotional payoff.
ADVICE

Start With Stories You Repeat

  • Pick stories you naturally repeat to friends as starting material for public storytelling submissions.
  • Those repeat stories usually hide deeper meaning you can mine and expand.
ADVICE

Outline First, Practice Later

  • Work from an outline, not a fully written script, to keep your delivery natural on stage.
  • Practice a lengthy "free to suck" run once, then trim to only details that support the arc.
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