How to Tell a Story Book Summary - How to Tell a Story Book explained in key points

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How to Tell a Story summary

Name: How to Tell a Story
Rating: 3.6 (97 reviews)
Author: The Moth, Meg Bowles, Catherine Burns, Jenifer Hixson, Sarah Austin Jenness, Kate Tellers

The Moth Catherine Burns Meg Bowles Jenifer Hixson Sarah Austin Jenness Kate Tellers

The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth

3.6 (97 ratings)

16 mins

Brief summary

How to Tell a Story guides us through the art of storytelling, offering practical tips and heartfelt insights from experienced storytellers at The Moth, to help us craft and share compelling, personal narratives effectively.

Topics

Listening Presentations & Public Speaking Storytelling

Table of Contents

How to Tell a Story
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What’s in it for me? Learn the storytelling secrets of a beloved live show and podcast.

The Moth first began in the New York City living room of George Dawes Green, back in 1997. From the start, it was designed as a space where stories are honored and shared without interruption. It's a sanctuary where individuals reveal the essence of their lives, weaving narratives that resonate with authenticity and truth.

Since then, it’s blossomed into an international endeavor, where famous authors and neophyte storytellers are treated with the same reverence. Over the years, the Moth’s producers and directors have honed in on some of the fundamental elements that make the best stories so impactful.

Those directors are now sharing their knowledge in the hopes that more people will unlock the power of storytelling. For the storyteller, it’s a process of self-discovery, and for audiences it’s one of increased empathy. In the end, we all benefit from these dynamic tools.

It’s your story to tell.

Let’s start by setting some ground rules.

For every storyteller who’s interested in being part of a Moth event, there are some rules to follow. These rules aren’t intended to limit the scope of what a story can be; rather, they’re designed to get your creative juices flowing and help generate the best kind of stories.

The first rules are that the stories must be true, and they are to be told out loud, in the first person. They are not to be read or recited. This should be your story to tell, not a piece of journalism. The stories should always involve stakes and feature a transformation of some kind.

Then there are the don’ts: Don’t use notes or props. Don’t use fake accents or caricatures. Don’t try to explain a culture that isn’t yours. Don’t use another person’s race, appearance, or orientation as a punchline or plotpoint. Don’t celebrate unwanted sexual advances. And, it should go without saying, don’t use racial slurs or hate speech.

Now, you might be asking, why does it have to be a true, personal story? The answer lies in the power of authenticity.

True stories have the power to connect us on a profound level. It’s the authenticity of the tale that captures our hearts and minds, fostering empathy and understanding. It's not just about entertainment; it's about confronting our fears, embracing our vulnerabilities, and finding catharsis in the act of sharing our truths.

If coming up with this kind of story sounds like a challenge – that’s because it is! And that’s why the Moth directors are there, to help the storytellers develop their narrative. Over the years, the directors have become experts at uncovering the essence of a story and shaping it into a compelling tale. With their guidance, storytellers can delve into the heart of their stories and identify key moments and transformative experiences.

You might think: Well, what if I don’t have such a compelling personal tale? Don’t worry. Everyone has a story to tell. It's not about grandeur or significance; it's about the human experience – the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and struggles that shape our lives. So, whether you're a seasoned raconteur or a novice storyteller, remember: Your story matters, and it's waiting to be shared with the world.

In the next section, we’ll get into the details of the story-development process and find out how you can turn your tale into stageworthy gold.

Where to start?

So let’s dive deeper into the art of storytelling and explore the process of how we can construct a narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotion.

The first step is to identify the right story. We can do this by mining for memories. You may even want to open up an old photo book to spark some old memories about those moments in your life that were defining.

Putting the pieces in place.

In this section we’re going to move on to the building materials of your story. We’ve identified our narrative; now let’s start the construction process.

The first thing to do is to identify your narrative stepping stones. These are key moments that are crucial to the listener being able to understand the story.

Launching and landing.

In these final two sections, we’re going to focus more on the audience, so that you consider all the ways in which your story can make the most impact.

In that regard, the beginning and the ending should be considered crucial. They are the hello and goodbye. The beginning sets the tone and expectations for everything that will follow, while the ending leaves the lasting impression.

Delivering empathy from the stage.

Remember the rules? A Moth storyteller flies without a net. There are no notes, no props; it’s just you and a microphone fixed to a stand. Obviously, for some of us, this is a nerve-wracking proposition. But even terrified wallflowers have overcome their fears to deliver amazing stories on stage.

The Moth steers people away from memorization for a reason. Writing your story down and committing it to memory may seem like the safest route, but it can actually make you sound over-rehearsed or robotic. Instead, focus on familiarizing yourself with the key points. Write down a map, rather than every word. And enlist some trusted friends or family to practice telling your story aloud, and use these test runs to refine your delivery and pacing.

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What is How to Tell a Story about?

How to Tell a Story (2022) is a unique guidebook that unlocks the secrets to delivering narratives that captivate audiences and resonate with authenticity and emotion. From finding the perfect beginning and ending to mastering the art of delivery, it equips storytellers of all levels with the tools they need to leave a lasting impression.

How to Tell a Story Review

How to Tell a Story (2013) is a captivating journey into the art of storytelling that is both enlightening and entertaining. Here's what makes this book stand out:

Featuring personal narratives from diverse storytellers, it offers a wide range of perspectives and experiences that resonate with readers on a deep level.
Including expert tips and techniques for crafting compelling stories, it equips readers with practical tools to enhance their own storytelling skills.
The book's engaging and dynamic storytelling approach makes learning about storytelling surprisingly enjoyable and enriching, ensuring that boredom is never a factor.

Who should read How to Tell a Story?

Anyone eager to become a better storyteller
Writers looking for tips on creating compelling narratives
Managers interested in unique team-building exercises

About the Author

Meg Bowles is a senior director and one of the hosts of The Moth Radio Hour. She has been a longtime director for The Moth’s Mainstage, and has helped storytellers in both the US and the UK. She has also worked in television and film, and is an expert in turning small, personal anecdotes into profound, universal stories.

Catherine Burns is an artistic director and one of the hosts of The Moth Radio Hour. She is also a lead director on The Moth’s Mainstage, where she has helped hundreds of people develop their stories. She has also been a producer of television and film, and the director of solo shows on stage.

Jenifer Hixson is a senior director and one of the hosts of The Moth Radio Hour. She launched The Moth StorySLAM which regularly takes place in 25 cities across the US, UK, and Australia.

Sarah Austin Jenness is an executive producer and longtime host of The Moth Radio Hour. She launched the Moth’s Global Community Program and has directed stories that have been heard on the floor of the United Nations and on the stage of the Kenya National Theater.

Kate Tellers is a senior director and host of the live Moth storytelling series and podcast. She has designed storytelling workshops for a number of corporations and nonprofits including Nike, Google, the Gates Foundation, and the US State Department. Her writing has been featured in The New Yorker and McSweeney’s.

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Communication Skills Personal Development Creativity

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