Speak Up Storytelling

Chris Gaffney: "Suddenly there was a baby"

14 snips
Nov 12, 2019
Chris Gaffney, the first Great Hartford Storyslam winner, shares his winning story and insights on storytelling techniques. Topics include balancing tone, effective story openings, advancing time in a story, and creating emotional impact. The podcast also discusses upcoming storytelling events, workshops, and personal revelations at the dinner table.
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ANECDOTE

First Homework Entry: Becoming A Father

  • Chris's first documented "homework for life" entry was the day he discovered he was going to be a father.
  • He wrote: running late, Jenny cries from the bathroom, pregnancy test says pregnant, then they go to work into a different world.
ANECDOTE

Suddenly There Was A Baby

  • Chris told the NICU birth story: a baby appears, doesn't cry, then shows seesaw breathing and needs oxygen for days.
  • He touches her hand; her grip reassures him and marks the emotional transformation to fatherhood.
ADVICE

Find Your One-Sentence Story

  • Boil your story down to a sentence or two to clarify its core meaning before crafting it.
  • Use that concise pitch as the organizing truth to shape structure and details.
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