How Stories Happen

"It's not effortless, it's intentional" | Mike Ganino, keynote director & author

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.

44:36

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Episode guests

Mike Ganino

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Intentionality in storytelling is crucial, as it involves planning and delivering messages that resonate emotionally with the audience.

Effective storytelling requires showing rather than telling, enabling deeper connections by illustrating personal experiences and internal thoughts.

Deep dives

The Craft of Storytelling

Storytelling is an essential skill that has the power to create emotional connections with an audience. It requires intentionality, which involves carefully planning and delivering messages that resonate with listeners. Effective storytellers understand their audience's needs and emotions, often highlighting the importance of internalizing their narratives to make their performances appear effortless. This means that a compelling story is not just about the content; it's also about how the storyteller conveys their unique voice and perspective.

Intro

5min

Unpacking Creative Identity Through Emulation and Originality

6min

The Art of Authentic Storytelling

7min

Finding Solace in Storytelling: A Childhood Reflection

3min

The Art of Emotional Storytelling

18min

Empowering Storytellers: Building Confidence and Craft

2min

Enrollment is now open into my Public Speaking Accelerator. Register now for $400 off and secure a 1:1 coaching call with me too: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

We’re told to steal from those we admire, but so often, we mimic the wrong things. It’s not WHAT someone does but WHY they do it (and why it works for them) which we ought to model in our own creative work and storytelling. Once we find that, we can intentionally master the craft. And this work is about exactly that: intentionality. It’s practiced. Until it looks effortless (even if, for a long while, it wasn’t).

In this episode, Mike Ganino shares a story about his childhood and falling in love with E.T., and his understanding at the young age of 10, that stories make us feel less alone.

Mike is the author of the new book, Make a Scene. He is also a keynote director, working to help others master their stage presence and storytelling, and he draws on his roots in theater and acting to help.

Mike and I discuss why intentionality is everything is storytelling, how storytellers are really thought custodians, and how to craft scenes that allow audiences to connect with the emotional core of any story. And be warned: this episode gets very meta. We’re two storytelling geeks talking shop about the work we love.

Connect with Mike on his website and Linkedin.

Grab a copy of his book,Make A Scene: Storytelling, Stage Presence, and The Art of Being Unforgettable in Every Spotlight.

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IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING:

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

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CONNECT:

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This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

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ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

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