See with your ears and your eyes.

..and more #BigIdeas on Storytelling                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 [Open in app]( or [online]() Atomic ideas from world’s best non-fiction books. --------------------------------------------------------------- [See with your ears and your eyes.]( ..and more #BigIdeas on Storytelling May 20   [Share](   POLL Rate your storytelling skill range (scale of 1-10, 10 being TED worthy) [1-3]() [4-7]() [8+]() I am not good at storytelling A lot of logical thinkers tend to believe that they are bad at storytelling. Quite bad at it (I am definitely in that list). [Upgrade to paid]( But here is the thing: take a pause and you will realise that the same fellas are also good at either selling or building teams, working with others or figuring their way-out-in-the-wild-world. [person holding string lights on opened book]( Photo by [Nong]( on [Unsplash]( The truth is that we, the human race has always used stories to entertain, teach, and inspire. And despite what we’re often led to believe, storytelling is not an innate ability. It’s a skill anyone—from marketers and professional communicators to parents and teachers—can, and should, master. Continuing with this month’s theme, i.e. storytelling - bringing you 4 #BigIdeas from the book: [What Great Storytellers Know]( in which bestselling author and storytelling teacher, Bernadette Jiwa takes us through the steps of finding and strengthening your storytelling muscles. [What Great Storytellers Know: Seven Skills to Become Your Most Influential and Inspiring Self by [Bernadette Jiwa]]( But before that, a quick announcement: Everything about the AtomicIdeas newsletter changes from next week! More details shortly :) --------------------------------------------------------------- Skill #1 Be where you are The greatest storytellers have two superpowers. - They are great listeners and - first-class noticers. In a fast-paced world, we’re so busy trying to get things done and don’t allow ourselves to slow down and notice. It feels so tempting to walk and listen to a podcast at the same time. But this habit of killing two birds with one stone is also killing our storytelling potential. For every podcast we listen to on our walk, we’re forsaking the opportunity to notice and ignoring a dozen potential stories. Or a chance encounter with a storyteller! This goes completely against the current tech culture, but it is what it is. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you want to be a better storyteller, embrace the fact that you can’t pay attention to two things at once. Your attention belongs to you and you have the complete control to reclaim it. Skill #2 Find the extraordinary in the everyday We’re so used to the stories of high drama on movie screens – Batman or Superman saving the day, rushing to the rescue of children who would otherwise plunge to their death. Not every story needs to be an epic tale of a caped crusader saving the world. Some of the best stories are about ordinary moments in our lives that teach us to be braver or kinder, more open-minded or loving. Some examples: - A colleague who challenges the status quo on behalf of the team. - A partner who supports a dream. - A teacher who helps her students believe in themselves. Great storytellers are always mining their life and everyday encounters for stories. Skill #3 Harness the power of the particular The most common storytelling mistake is the failure to help the audience experience the story. Your goal is to bring the audience on a rather emotional journey, not just a factual or chronical one (let’s learn from the politicians). The best stories are not only true, they convey the truth by helping the audience live it. When we’re specific, we take our audience on an emotional journey with us. They may not have experienced it firsthand but they can closely relate to our story. Here’s a few suggestions: - Describe tiny, true details. - Zoom in on one small scene of a bigger story. - Draw the reader or listener into a single moment in time. Help the audience experience as the events unfold. Ground the audience with locations, character names, seasons and so on. Paint a mental picture of what the characters are feeling, seeing, experiencing… Skill #4 Speak from the heart It’s one thing to know the steps to telling a great story. It’s another thing to tell it. Like every other skill, you master the art of storytelling by practising. You have to get yourself in front of people and watch and listen for what resonates with them. “You could watch Roger Federer return serves all day long, but that doesn’t mean you could replicate them.” Here’s a few ways to put this skill into practice: - Become a kitchen table storyteller and tell powerful stories in everyday settings. - Start a blog. - Create a note-taking, story-writing ritual. - Consider how you could rework stories you’ve already told. - Reminisce with family and friends. The greatest gift you can give a person is to see who she is and reflect that back to her. I hope this was useful. Have a great time! -ashish.   [Like]( [Comment]( [Restack](   © 2023 Zakti Techmedia Private Limited 677, HSR Layout, Bangalore-560102 [Unsubscribe]() [Start writing]()