Speak Up Storytelling Ted Olds: "High Stakes Multiplication"
May 13, 2019
Ted Olds joins the discussion as a 16-time Moth StorySLAM champion and patent attorney who brings his storytelling prowess to life. He recounts a high-stakes fourth-grade multiplication contest, highlighting the art of escalating tension in narratives. The talk delves into the importance of brevity and staying 'in the moment' in storytelling. Listeners also explore how to create stories that resonate on a deeper level, moving beyond mere description to convey meaningful insights.
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Ted Olds' Childhood Contest Anecdote
- Ted Olds tells a vivid story about a high-stakes fourth-grade multiplication race.
- He keeps the narration from his nine-year-old perspective, adding authenticity and nostalgia.
Escalating Stakes Sustain Suspense
- Ted's story escalates stakes gradually to maintain suspense throughout.
- This pacing technique keeps listeners engaged as worries grow step-by-step, not all at once.
Stay In The Child's Perspective
- Ted Olds stays entirely in his nine-year-old self’s perspective during his story.
- This technique creates nostalgia and genuine surprise rather than adult hindsight commentary.
