How Stories Happen with Jay Acunzo "It's not effortless, it's intentional" | Mike Ganino, keynote director & author
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Jan 24, 2025 In this conversation with Mike Ganino, a keynote director and author of "Make a Scene," storytelling takes center stage. Mike explores how intentionality shapes narratives and how personal experiences can foster connection. He shares his childhood fascination with E.T., revealing storytelling's power to ease loneliness. The discussion emphasizes emotional resonance over formulaic structures, urging storytellers to draw from authenticity. With insights on creative emulation, Mike aims to empower others in mastering their stage presence and crafting unforgettable stories.
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Intentionality over Imitation
- Imitating successful storytellers often leads to mimicking the wrong aspects of their work.
- Focus on understanding why they do what they do, not just what they do, to develop your own unique approach.
Start Stories in a Scene
- Start stories in a scene, not with summaries or background information.
- Instead of saying "I was directing this," describe a specific visual detail, like "I stared at my times table sheet."
E.T. and Childhood Isolation
- As a child, Mike Ganino found solace in the movie E.T. because it reflected his own feelings of isolation due to his parents' divorce.
- This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for storytelling's power to create connection and make people feel less alone.
