How to Be a Better Storyteller: Tips and Tricks
Let me tell you a secret: every storyteller, yes, even the ones you admire, has felt like their stories didn’t matter at some point. Maybe it was a quiet moment of doubt or a loud voice in their head asking, “Who even cares?” I’ve been there too.
But here’s what I’ve learned: stories matter. Your stories matter. The question isn’t whether they’re worth telling; it’s how you tell them. So today, let’s talk about the art of storytelling, what makes it work, how to find your voice, and how to keep showing up, even when doubt knocks at the door.
Start With the Truth (Even If It’s Messy)
Every great story begins with honesty. Not perfection, not polish, just truth. People connect with real emotions, struggles, and joys. Share the messy parts of your journey, the lessons learned, the times you stumbled, and laughed about it later.
Think about this: when was the last time you related to a story because it was perfect? Probably never. It’s the weirdness or peculiarity in your story that stands out.
Know Your Audience (Don’t Write for Everyone)
Here’s the thing: not every story will resonate with every person, and that’s okay. When you try to speak to everyone, you end up connecting with no one. So, ask yourself, who am I talking to? and write like you’re having a conversation with them.
Imagine sitting across from a friend who needs encouragement, a laugh, or a moment of reflection. Tell your story the way you’d tell it to them.
The Hook Matters (But Don’t Overthink It)
You don’t have to start with a bang; you just need to start with something real. A good hook isn’t about being clever. It’s about drawing people in with curiosity or emotion.
For example, “2024, I was happy. But I struggled.”
It’s simple, raw, and makes you want to read more.
Your hook doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should make people pause. Sometimes, a quiet truth speaks louder than a grand opening.
Show, Don’t Tell (Sometimes, Tell)
We’ve all heard “show, don’t tell,” but here’s a little twist: storytelling is about balance. Yes, paint vivid pictures with your words. Describe the moment the rain soaked through your shoes, how the coffee tasted bitter that morning, or the sound of laughter that filled the room.
But sometimes, as a storyteller, you also need to just tell people how you feel. It’s okay to say, “I was scared” or “I felt overwhelmed,” as long as it’s authentic.
The secret? Use your voice. Make it conversational. People don’t just want to see the story; they want to hear you in it.
The secret is to use your voice. Make it conversational.
Embrace the Power of Pauses
The pauses in your story are just as important as the words. They give your audience time to breathe, to think, and to feel. Whether it’s a well-placed line break, a moment of silence in a spoken story, or a deliberate pause before the punchline, let the silence speak.
Practice Makes the Story Flow
I won’t sugarcoat it: the first draft is rarely great. The more you write, the more you’ll find your rhythm. Sometimes, the best stories come when you let go of the need for perfection and just let the words flow.
Remember the first time you did something new, writing that first post, sharing that first poem, or pressing “publish” on something you weren’t sure about? It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Stay Curious
Ask questions. Don’t just settle for what’s obvious, dare to dig deeper, explore what’s beneath the surface, and learn from the smallest moments. The world around you is filled with untold stories, from the way someone tells a joke to how a person’s body language changes when they’re nervous.
Being curious means always looking at things with fresh eyes. It’s asking, “What else is there to know?” and refusing to let an idea or experience pass you by without wondering,
“Why is this important?”
“What can I do to make this more interesting?” “How can I make my reader feel something even deeper?”
Keep Showing Up
Here’s the hardest part: showing up. Some days, you’ll want to hide. You’ll wonder if anyone’s even listening. But the magic of being a storyteller is in the persistence.
Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep telling your stories. Because somewhere out there, someone is waiting to hear them.
If you’ve read to this point, then know this;
Being a storyteller isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about inviting people into your world, even if it’s messy, imperfect, or still in progress. So, if you’re wondering whether your story matters, the answer is yes.
Now, it’s your turn. What’s that story you’ve been holding back?
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