Everyone has a story worth telling, fostering connection and understanding through shared experiences.
Storytelling is a learnable skill that involves vulnerability, audience connection, and narrative structure.
Incorporating internal and external stakes in storytelling creates compelling narratives with personal resonance.
Deep dives
The Power of Sharing Personal Stories
The podcast discusses the healing and transformative power of sharing personal stories. It emphasizes the importance of realizing that everyone has a story worth telling and that by sharing these stories, people can connect with others and provide help and relatability. The podcast highlights the impact that storytelling can have on individuals, how it can light people up, and create a sense of connection and understanding.
The Art and Craft of Storytelling
The podcast features Katherine Burns, an experienced artistic director at The Moth, discussing the art and craft of storytelling. Katherine explains that storytelling is a skill that anyone can learn and shares insights from her book 'How to Tell a Story'. She explores the reasons why storytelling is a powerful form of communication and discusses the value of vulnerability and agency in storytelling. Katherine also emphasizes the importance of audience connection and the proper structure of a story for maximum impact.
The Value of Stories and Shared Experiences
The podcast delves into the value of stories and why they have been an important part of human culture for centuries. It highlights how stories connect us, make us feel less alone, and convey information and emotions in a relatable way. The podcast also emphasizes the power of shared experiences, how storytelling can break down barriers, and create a sense of unity and understanding among people. It discusses the impact of storytelling in various settings, from personal relationships to advocacy work within organizations.
Importance of Internal and External Stakes
One key point discussed in the podcast is the importance of incorporating both internal and external stakes in storytelling. The speaker highlights the power of weaving together the internal emotions and external events to create a compelling narrative. They emphasize that personal experiences and connections are crucial for effective storytelling, as stories about oneself or directly witnessed events tend to resonate more deeply with the audience.
Navigating Stories Involving Others
Another main idea explored in the podcast is the challenge of telling stories that involve other people, especially those who are still alive or with whom the storyteller has a complex relationship. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of turning people's lives into art, recognizing that relationships and circumstances may change over time. They discuss the importance of respecting the storyteller's autonomy and allowing them to determine if and when a story should be shared. The speaker also highlights the need to prioritize the feelings and consent of other individuals involved in the story, especially when telling stories about children or sensitive personal experiences.
Did you ever wish you could be that person who captivated a room, a gathering, an audience, a date with a story that cast a spell, moved them deeply, then left you both more connected and alive? Transformed even? Yeah, you’re not alone. We all live lives filled with stories worth telling, but so often we don’t realize it. And few of us know “how” to tell those stories in a way that brings others in close, then leaves them changed. Most just think it’s a God-given ability.
But, what if it wasn’t? What if it was a skill anyone - including you - could learn? Would you want that? My guest today, Catherine Burns, believes it is. And, if there’s anyone I’d believe, it’s her. Catherine is the long-time Artistic Director at The Moth, the global phenomenon dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.
In our conversation today, you'll hear us dive into many of the ideas, tips, and strategies from her newest book, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth, which she co-wrote with fellow The Moth directors, Meg Bowles and Jenifer Hixson. If you've ever wondered why we care so much about stories in the first place or what elements make for a good story, you're in for a treat in this episode because Catherine and I dive deeper into the art of storytelling and what it takes for anyone, and we mean anyone, to craft a story worth listening to.
