How to tell better stories | Matthew Dicks (Storyworthy)

Name: How to tell better stories | Matthew Dicks (Storyworthy)
Uploaded: 2023-12-15T12:00:15.000Z
Duration: 3 h 24 min 57 s

Storytelling in Business

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of storytelling in business and how it can help individuals stand out and be memorable.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is a buzzword in business, but many people are hesitant to embrace it because they fear standing out from the crowd.

However, not telling stories means being forgettable. Our minds are designed to remember stories, not facts or statistics.

Without storytelling, there is a risk of being forgotten completely.

Introduction to Matthew Dicks

This section introduces Matthew Dicks, an author and expert storyteller who will share insights on how to tell better stories.

About Matthew Dicks

Matthew Dicks is the author of "Storyworthy," a book recommended by a previous podcast guest.

He has won numerous storytelling competitions and is an experienced elementary school teacher.

Matthew teaches storytelling and public speaking skills to individuals and teams at companies like Slack, Amazon, Lego, and Salesforce.

Tactical Tips for Better Storytelling

In this section, Matthew shares practical advice on how to improve storytelling skills both in life and work.

Key Insights on Storytelling

Every good story revolves around a 5-second moment of transformation or realization.

It's important to feel comfortable speaking on stage and coming up with story ideas that can be deployed when needed.

The conversation covers various aspects of storytelling, including structure, delivery, and finding inspiration for stories.

Sponsor: One Schema

This section briefly mentions the sponsor One Schema before moving on to the next topic.

Sponsorship by One Schema

One Schema offers an embeddable CSV importer for SAS customers dealing with messy data.

The tool helps companies launch delightful spreadsheet import experiences and corrects messy data automatically.

Sponsor: Maui Nui Venison

This section introduces the sponsor Maui Nui Venison, a mission-based food company.

Sponsorship by Maui Nui Venison

Maui Nui Venison provides the healthiest red meat available, sourced from stress-free, 100% wild-harvested deer in Hawaii.

Their operation actively manages invasive deer populations to restore balance to ecosystems and communities.

The venison is delicious, easy to cook, and ethically sourced. Listeners are encouraged to try their products.

Insights on Storytelling with Matthew Dicks

In this section, the podcast host welcomes Matthew Dicks for an in-depth conversation on storytelling.

Interview with Matthew Dicks

The host discovered Matthew's book through a previous guest and was impressed by its transformative impact on storytelling and marketing.

Matthew emphasizes actionable advice in his book, drawing from his experience as a teacher and storyteller.

They discuss the concept that all good stories are rooted in a 5-second moment of someone's life, either transformation or realization.

Conclusion

The transcript covers various aspects of storytelling in business. It highlights the importance of storytelling for standing out and being memorable. Matthew Dicks provides practical tips for improving storytelling skills and emphasizes the significance of a 5-second moment in every story. The episode also features sponsorships by One Schema and Maui Nui Venison.

The Purpose of a Story

In this section, the speaker discusses the purpose of a story and how it aims to bring moments of transformation or realization to the audience.

The Essence of a Story

A story's main objective is to bring moments of transformation or realization to the audience.

These moments capture the shift from one thought or perspective to another.

The majority of a story focuses on providing context and building up to these pivotal moments.

Examples of Transformative Moments

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a student named Eileen who lacked confidence in class.

Through their interactions, the speaker realizes that Eileen has gained trust and confidence in their classroom.

This realization becomes a transformative moment for both the teacher and student.

Significance of Transformative Moments

Transformative moments are crucial in storytelling as they create connections with the audience.

They allow individuals to relate to experiences where beliefs or perspectives have changed.

Even brief stories can be expanded into more meaningful narratives by exploring the journey leading up to these transformative moments.

Knowing the Moment of Change

In this section, the speaker discusses how knowing the moment of change in a story also reveals its ending. They explain that understanding this pivotal moment helps shape both the beginning and end of a narrative.

Starting at the End

When telling true stories about oneself, companies, or products, it is essential to know how they end before crafting their beginnings.

Understanding what makes a particular moment worth sharing allows storytellers to structure their narratives effectively.

Opposing Moments

Stories revolve around two opposing moments: a beginning and an end.

These moments exist in opposition to each other, highlighting transformations or realizations that occur over time.

By identifying these opposing moments, storytellers can create engaging narratives that captivate their audience.

Predicting Story Endings

Paying attention to the first 10 to 15 minutes of a movie can often provide insights into how the story will ultimately unfold.

Understanding the moment of change allows viewers to anticipate the direction and resolution of a narrative.

The transcript provided does not contain any timestamps beyond this point.

The Importance of Storytelling and Entertainment

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of storytelling and how even knowing the outcome of a story doesn't ruin it if it is presented in an entertaining way. They use the example of the movie "When Harry Met Sally" to illustrate this point.

The Power of Storytelling

Stories can be enjoyable even if we know the ending.

It's important to present stories in an entertaining way to engage the audience.

The movie "When Harry Met Sally" is mentioned as an example where we know that Harry and Sally will end up together, but the journey is still worth watching.

Beginning at the End for Important Stories

This section focuses on storytelling techniques and emphasizes starting a story at its end to ensure there is something important to convey. The speaker contrasts this approach with simply reporting events chronologically without leading to any meaningful conclusion.

Beginning at the End

Every story should have a clear beginning and end that are in opposition to each other.

Starting at the end guarantees that there is something significant to say.

Many people tend to report on their lives chronologically without leading to any meaningful message or impact.

The Universal Appeal of Change in Stories

Here, the speaker explains why change and transformation are crucial elements in a good story. They discuss how change increases universal appeal and allows audiences to connect emotionally, even if they don't directly relate to the specific content being presented.

Importance of Change

A moment of transformation adds importance to a story.

Reporting on personal experiences may not resonate with others unless they have similar backgrounds.

Change has universal appeal as it can connect with various individuals who have experienced similar transformations or desire them.

Connecting Through Change and Universal Appeal

This section further explores the concept of change in storytelling and how it enhances the ability to connect with an audience. The speaker emphasizes that focusing on change increases the emotional appeal of a story, even if the content is unrelated to the listener's personal experiences.

Connecting Through Change

Change in a story significantly increases its universal appeal.

Personal experiences may not resonate with others unless they have gone through similar changes.

Stories about change can connect with individuals who desire or have experienced similar transformations.

The Dinner Test: Authenticity in Storytelling

The speaker introduces the concept of the "dinner test," which suggests that stories told formally should be relatable and authentic, as if sharing them over dinner. They highlight the importance of avoiding performance art elements and using natural language when delivering a story.

The Dinner Test

When telling a story formally, it should resemble a conversation over dinner.

Avoid using performance art elements or strange dialogue choices.

Stories should be delivered naturally, without excessive verbal detritus like filler words or unnecessary details.

Elevating Dinner Stories: Shape and Naturalness

This section expands on the idea of telling stories in a slightly elevated manner while still maintaining authenticity. The speaker advises against starting stories with unattributed dialogue or sound effects commonly used in children's storytelling. They emphasize shaping stories and eliminating unnecessary verbal clutter.

Elevating Dinner Stories

Formal storytelling should be slightly more structured than casual conversation but still maintain naturalness.

Avoid starting stories with unattributed dialogue or sound effects typically found in children's storytelling.

Shape your story to maintain engagement without resorting to unnecessary verbal clutter.

Checklist for Good Storytelling: Change and Authenticity

The speaker discusses the checklist for good storytelling, which includes change and authenticity. They reiterate the importance of incorporating change into stories and maintaining authenticity by passing the "dinner test."

Checklist for Good Storytelling

Change is a crucial element in a good story.

Authenticity is essential, as stories should pass the "dinner test" by being relatable and natural.

Incorporating change and maintaining authenticity enhance the overall quality of storytelling.

The transcript provided does not cover the entire video.

Telling Stories About Others

In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges of telling stories about other people and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in storytelling.

Telling Fiction About Someone Else

When telling a story about someone else, it is similar to telling fiction because that person is not present in the room.

The audience may find it difficult to connect with a story about someone they cannot see.

Lack of Vulnerability

When telling stories about others, there is limited opportunity to express vulnerability.

Vulnerability is an essential aspect of storytelling, as it allows for a meaningful connection with the audience.

Sharing personal experiences and emotions is crucial in engaging storytelling.

Audience's Perspective

The audience does not care if the storyteller feels nervous or uncomfortable while presenting.

What matters to the audience is a storyteller who opens up their heart and mind.

Making Stories About Others Relevant

It is possible to tell stories about other people by centering them on oneself.

For example, when sharing stories about Holocaust survivors, one can talk about how their experiences have impacted their own lives.

Crafting Vacation Stories

This section provides tips for effectively sharing vacation stories by focusing on key moments and avoiding unnecessary details.

Avoid Recounting Entire Vacations

Most vacation stories are simply a retelling of one's vacation experience without any significant impact or change.

Unless something transformative happened during the vacation, these stories tend to be uninteresting to others.

Focus on Key Moments

Only share moments that had a profound impact or brought about fundamental change during the vacation.

Start the story at the moment when this change occurred rather than providing extensive background information.

Irrelevance of Location Details

The location of the vacation becomes irrelevant unless it directly relates to the key moment being shared.

Avoid unnecessary details about the beach, activities, or travel logistics unless they contribute to the story's significance.

Importance of Stakes

Stakes in storytelling refer to what the audience should be concerned about or invested in.

Without stakes, the audience loses interest and stops paying attention.

It is crucial to make the audience wonder and care about what will happen next in the story.

The Significance of Stakes in Storytelling

This section explores the concept of stakes in storytelling and why they are essential for engaging an audience.

Definition of Stakes

Stakes represent what the audience should be worried about or interested in during a story.

They create suspense and keep the audience engaged throughout.

Misconception About Audience Interest

Many people mistakenly believe that others want to hear what they have to say.

In reality, it is important to understand that audiences only care if they are wondering about what will be said next.

Adding Stakes to Stories

To make stories more compelling, it is necessary to add stakes that evoke curiosity and concern from the audience.

Examples include personal challenges, conflicts, or unexpected outcomes that create tension and emotional investment.

The transcript provided does not contain any further sections related to business context advice.

New Section

This section discusses the importance of stakes in storytelling and how to create them effectively.

Creating Stakes in Stories

Stakes are a crucial element in storytelling, as they create tension and make the audience invested in the outcome.

Stakes can be personal goals, consequences, or conflicts that characters face. They drive the narrative forward and keep the audience engaged.

The opening scenes of movies often establish stakes early on to grab the audience's attention. For example, Star Wars opens with a small spaceship being chased by a larger one, immediately creating a sense of danger and concern for the characters.

In storytelling, it is important to introduce an "elephant" at the beginning—a significant event or problem that captures the audience's attention and makes them curious about what will happen next.

Other techniques for creating stakes include using breadcrumbs (dropping hints), backpacking (revealing plans before executing them), hourglasses (slowing down time during critical moments), and crystal balls (predicting future outcomes).

New Section

This section explores different methods for building suspense and anticipation in stories.

Building Suspense

Suspense can be created by strategically placing information throughout the story to keep the audience guessing about what will happen next.

One effective technique is to provide breadcrumbs—small clues or hints that foreshadow future events. For example, introducing a gun in a room implies that it will eventually come into play.

Another method is using hourglasses—moments where time slows down as important events are about to unfold. This prolongs the audience's anticipation and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Crystal balls can also be used to predict a future outcome, even if it may not be entirely accurate. By planting a realistic but worrisome prediction in the audience's mind, suspense is heightened.

New Section

This section delves into the power of surprise in storytelling and how to effectively incorporate it.

The Power of Surprise

Surprise moments are delightful for audiences when they didn't see something coming but realize its inevitability once it happens.

Surprises occur when new information is introduced that changes the audience's perspective or understanding of the story. It is a powerful tool for engaging and captivating viewers/readers.

Endings of books and movies should ideally be both inevitable (with enough prior information) and complete surprises, providing satisfaction while still catching the audience off guard.

Skillful storytellers strategically plant information throughout the narrative that leads to surprising yet logical conclusions, ensuring that audiences experience moments of genuine surprise and delight.

The Importance of Connecting the Dots in Storytelling

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of connecting the dots in storytelling and how it can create a powerful impact on the audience.

Connecting the Dots for Maximum Impact

Placing elements (A, B, C, D) in a story without allowing the audience to connect them until a surprise moment.

Ninja-level storytelling involves teaching others how to effectively connect the dots.

Tricks like crystal ball (predicting consequences), hourglass (slowing down time), backpack (placing responsibility on characters), breadcrumbs (revealing information gradually), and elephant at the beginning (introducing a significant element) can be used to add stakes and engage the audience.

Teaching Advanced Storytelling Techniques

The speaker discusses how advanced storytelling techniques can be taught and learned by anyone.

Teachability of Advanced Storytelling Techniques

Next level storytelling is teachable but requires practice and skill.

Various techniques like adding stakes through crystal ball, hourglass, backpack, breadcrumbs, and introducing an elephant at the beginning can be learned.

Examples from movies or personal stories can help illustrate these techniques effectively.

Five Ways to Add Stakes in Storytelling

The speaker summarizes five ways to add stakes in storytelling for maximum impact.

Five Ways to Add Stakes

Crystal ball: Predicting negative consequences if certain actions are not taken.

Hourglass: Slowing down time before an important event or decision.

Backpack: Placing responsibility on characters to achieve their goals.

Breadcrumbs: Revealing information gradually throughout the story.

Elephant at the beginning: Introducing a significant element that captures attention from the start.

Frontloading Stakes in Storytelling

The speaker discusses the common mistake of frontloading stakes in storytelling and provides insights on how to effectively build stakes throughout a story.

Frontloading Stakes vs. Building Stakes

Many storytellers frontload stakes by placing all the important elements at the beginning of the story.

This approach can overwhelm the audience and make the rest of the story less engaging.

It is better to spread out stakes and introduce new ones gradually, keeping the audience curious and engaged.

Most stakes should occur within the first half of a story, with the second half focusing on building tension towards the climax.

Examples of Good Stakes in Action

The speaker shares an example of a story with well-executed stakes and suggests watching it as a reference.

Example Story: "Charity Thief"

The speaker references their own story called "Charity Thief" as an example of effective stake-building.

Two-thirds of the story involves setting up events before reaching an exciting conclusion.

Various techniques like introducing an elephant at the beginning, using backpack, breadcrumbs, hourglass, and crystal ball are employed to maintain engagement throughout.

Avoiding Frontloaded Stakes in Stories

The speaker emphasizes avoiding frontloaded stakes in stories and explains why it is important for maintaining audience attention.

Risks of Frontloaded Stakes

Many storytellers load all their stakes at the beginning due to fear that audiences won't pay attention otherwise.

However, this approach can lead to forgettable storytelling experiences.

Instead, it is crucial to distribute stakes evenly throughout a story, keeping audiences intrigued and wondering what will happen next.

Stories with Pre-built Stakes

The speaker discusses stories that already have pre-built stakes and how they differ from other types of storytelling.

Stories with Inherent Stakes

Some stories naturally have built-in stakes due to their inherently interesting or unusual nature.

These stories may not require additional stake-building techniques as the audience is already invested in the outcome.

However, most stories need deliberate effort to enhance stakes and engage the audience effectively.

Benefits of Storytelling in Business

The speaker explains the benefits of incorporating storytelling skills into business communication.

Importance of Storytelling in Business

Without storytelling, businesses risk being forgettable and indistinguishable from competitors.

Most business communication is bland and lacks impact because people are afraid to stand out.

Becoming a storyteller sets businesses apart, making them memorable and engaging for investors, employees, customers, etc.

Problems of Not Embracing Storytelling in Business

The speaker highlights the problems that arise when businesses neglect storytelling as a communication tool.

Consequences of Ignoring Storytelling

Businesses that do not embrace storytelling become mediocre and easily forgotten.

Many individuals claim to be storytellers but are hesitant to separate themselves from the crowd for fear of criticism or failure.

However, blending into the herd leads to unremarkable communication experiences.

Mediocrity in Business Communication

The speaker emphasizes how most business communication lacks uniqueness and flavor due to a fear of standing out.

Round White Communication

Most business communication is intentionally designed to be safe, unremarkable, and devoid of personality.

People are often afraid to take risks and stand out, resulting in forgettable interactions.

Storytelling offers an opportunity to break away from the norm and create memorable experiences.

The Desire for Storytelling vs. the Fear of Standing Out

The speaker discusses the conflict between individuals' desire to be storytellers and their fear of standing out.

Balancing Desire and Fear

Many people claim to want to be storytellers but are hesitant due to the risk of being criticized or targeted.

However, blending into the crowd leads to mediocrity and forgettable communication experiences.

Embracing storytelling requires separating oneself from the herd and taking calculated risks.

Examples of Forgettable Speakers

The speaker shares a personal experience attending a conference where speakers failed to leave a lasting impression.

Forgettable Conference Speakers

At an educational conference, one speaker failed to make a lasting impact despite using props like a childhood lunchbox.

Many times, audiences struggle to remember what was said by speakers shortly after leaving an event.

This highlights the importance of engaging storytelling techniques that captivate and resonate with audiences.

The Power of Storytelling

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of storytelling and how it can make a lasting impact on people's memory and engagement.

Importance of Storytelling

Storytelling creates vulnerability, humor, and meaning.

Speaking fluently and confidently is not enough to be memorable.

Our minds are designed to remember stories, not pie charts or statistics.

Without storytelling, one risks being forgotten.

Non-Annoying Ways to Incorporate Storytelling in the Workplace

Find simpler ways to incorporate storytelling without being annoying or forced.

Examples:

Sharing personal experiences that relate to work situations.

Using stories as metaphors or analogies to convey messages.

Effective Business Storytelling Example

This section provides an example of effective business storytelling by sharing a story about Boris, a factory owner who successfully integrates storytelling into his business.

Boris's Story

Boris is a factory owner who initially thought storytelling was only for personal amusement.

He realizes that storytelling can be applied in business after attending a fundraiser where he sees its impact firsthand.

Boris shares a story about his son's baseball game failure and subsequent resilience as an example of overcoming setbacks.

Applying Storytelling in Business

Boris uses the story of his son's baseball game as a metaphor for handling failures in sales.

Instead of criticizing his sales team for failing to land big accounts, he encourages them to learn from mistakes and move forward like his son did after losing the championship game.

The Power of Personal Narratives in Business

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of personal narratives in business and how they can be used to create a stronger connection with the audience.

Crafting a Narrative to Compete Against Microsoft Teams

Marsha, the former director of corporate Communications at Slack, had to create a narrative to compete against Microsoft Teams.

She connected with the speaker for help in crafting a compelling story.

Despite initial hesitation, Marsha's narrative without personal details worked brilliantly.

However, when she later included a 30-second anecdote about her Tuesday night inspiration, it made a significant difference in connecting with the audience.

Making Stories Personal for Stronger Connections

By inserting personal elements into narratives, individuals can connect on a deeper level with their audience.

People want to hear stories from real human beings rather than corporate spokespersons without personality.

The speaker advises finding ways to make stories personal by including relevant details about oneself or clients.

Using Personal Interest Inventory as a Tool

The speaker introduces the concept of a "personal interest inventory" as a tool for corporate professionals.

This inventory includes clever and strategic ways to talk about oneself and establish connections with different audiences.

It suggests mentioning personal aspects such as marital status or unique interests that resonate with specific groups.

Leveraging Addressable Market and Intensity of Connection

Different personal details have varying impacts based on their addressable market and intensity of connection.

For example, mentioning being married appeals to a larger addressable market and creates moderate connection intensity.

Uncommon interests like marathon running may have smaller addressable markets but intense connections within those communities.

Standing Out in the Corporate World

Rather than blending into the corporate world, individuals should aim to be memorable and distinct.

Being an individual full of color, edge, and flavor helps create a lasting impression.

The speaker encourages professionals to embrace their individuality and avoid being flavorless in the business sphere.

Making Business Stories About You

While stories should not solely focus on oneself, there are tricks to make them more interesting.

Avoid generic responses like "I'm doing great" when asked about one's well-being.

By adding personal elements and unique perspectives, stories become more engaging and captivating for the audience.

Using Personal Details to Establish Connections

In this section, the speaker further explores the use of personal details to establish connections with different audiences.

Addressable Market and Connection Intensity

Different personal details have varying impacts based on their addressable market and intensity of connection.

Mentioning being married appeals to a larger addressable market and creates moderate connection intensity.

Uncommon interests like marathon running may have smaller addressable markets but intense connections within those communities.

Finding Common Ground through Personal Details

Sharing personal details can help find common ground with others.

For example, discovering someone else who has run a marathon can instantly create a strong connection between individuals.

Embracing Individuality in the Corporate World

Rather than blending into the corporate world, individuals should aim to be memorable and distinct.

Being an individual full of color, edge, and flavor helps create a lasting impression.

The speaker encourages professionals to embrace their individuality and avoid being flavorless in the business sphere.

Becoming a Better Communicator and Storyteller in Business

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of incorporating personal elements into communication to make it relatable. They also touch upon the key aspects of becoming a better storyteller in business.

Incorporating Personal Elements

When answering questions or giving presentations, it is important to include personal elements that make you relatable.

Finding strategic ways to work in personal information without sounding self-centered helps establish connections with others.

Becoming a Better Storyteller

Accept the fact that people generally do not want to listen to what you have to say in business.

Four key ways to keep people engaged in your stories are:

Stakes: Every good story should have stakes, which can be applied to product stories, PowerPoint presentations, and entrepreneur pitches.

Surprise: Incorporate surprises into your talks, as Steve Jobs did masterfully.

Suspense: Keep your audience in suspense, which often leads to surprise.

Humor: Daring to be funny differentiates yourself from others but requires taking risks.

Using Humor as a Differentiator

The speaker explores the use of humor as a way to differentiate oneself and engage an audience. They discuss how humor can be challenging for many individuals but emphasize its effectiveness when used correctly.

Strategies for Being Funny

There are various strategies for being funny, with some more suitable for business settings than others.

Nostalgia is always funny and can be used effectively in business storytelling by referencing past experiences or technologies.

Taking risks and being willing to try different approaches is crucial when using humor as a differentiator.

Summary and Conclusion

The speaker concludes by summarizing the main points discussed regarding becoming a better communicator and storyteller in business. They emphasize the importance of incorporating personal elements, using stakes, surprise, suspense, and humor to engage an audience.

Key Takeaways

Incorporate personal elements into communication to establish connections with others.

Use stakes, surprise, suspense, and humor to keep an audience engaged in business storytelling.

Humor can be a powerful differentiator but requires taking risks and trying different approaches.

The transcript provided does not include timestamps for the entire video.

The Evolution of Employment in the 1980s

In this section, the speaker discusses how employment has evolved over time, specifically focusing on the job search process in the 1980s compared to today.

The Job Search Process in 1983

In 1983, the primary source of employment was through newspaper ads.

Help wanted ads were found at the back page of newspapers.

Job opportunities were limited to a few geographically nearby towns.

Finding a job required owning a phone connected to a wall and calling companies during business hours.

Shift in Power from Employers to Employees

Today, employees have more power as they can work remotely from anywhere in the world.

The internet has made all job opportunities accessible globally.

Companies like Indeed help employers gain some power by connecting them with potential employees.

Importance of Nostalgia and Storytelling

Nostalgia for the past can be relevant and engaging for businesses.

Demonstrating expertise and market knowledge by referencing historical context is valuable.

Using humor and storytelling can make business presentations more effective.

The Power of Nostalgia in Business

This section explores how nostalgia can be used effectively in business settings to engage audiences and create connections.

Relevance of the 1980s

Despite claims that people don't care about the 1980s, it remains culturally relevant.

Examples include popular TV shows like Stranger Things and fashion/music trends influenced by the era.

Demonstrating Expertise through Nostalgia

Referencing past eras demonstrates expertise and deep understanding of market trends.

Utilizing nostalgia helps establish credibility and trust with customers or clients.

Using Humor to Connect with Audiences

Incorporating humor into business presentations can make them more memorable and engaging.

Strategies like the "one of these things is not like the other" game can be used to create unexpected and funny moments.

Applying Humor in Business

This section discusses how humor can be applied in various business contexts beyond public speaking.

Incorporating Humor in Writing

The speaker's upcoming book includes strategies for using humor in business, including 12 strategies that work well.

Humor can be practiced and learned through classes or self-study.

Even if a joke doesn't land, storytelling can still engage audiences effectively.

Non-obvious Applications of Humor

Scientists in biotech and similar fields can benefit from incorporating humor into their presentations.

An example is given of a scientist who successfully used a personal story about buying apples to highlight his company's value proposition.

Storytelling Beyond Public Speaking

This section explores additional areas where storytelling skills can be beneficial beyond public speaking scenarios.

Presentations and Meetings

Storytelling techniques can enhance PowerPoint presentations or meetings by making them more engaging and memorable.

Biotech Industry Example

A biotech company had scientists attending a conference.

One scientist stood out by telling a personal story about buying apples to illustrate the company's value proposition with properly sized tubes for experiments.

The transcript ends at this point.

The Power of Storytelling in Business

In this section, the speaker discusses the power of storytelling in business and how it can create positive connections with customers.

Importance of Storytelling in Business

Storytelling helps establish a connection with customers and creates a positive feeling towards the company.

By telling stories, businesses can build advertising into people's lives without them even realizing it.

There are numerous ways to incorporate storytelling into business strategies.

Two Approaches to Storytelling

The first approach is problem-solving through storytelling, where a story is used to help solve a specific problem. This approach may not be recommended for everyone.

The second approach involves creating a collection of stories and deploying them strategically when needed. This approach allows for more flexibility and adaptability.

Finding Stories on Demand

Sometimes, finding a story that helps with a specific problem may be challenging. However, by using storytelling generating techniques, it is possible to come up with relevant stories on demand.

Speaking with adjacency is an effective technique where content is matched based on theme, meaning, or message rather than directly matching content to content. This allows for more creative storytelling approaches.

Matching Themes and Messages

When trying to convey a message or theme, it is important to think beyond the literal content and focus on the feelings and emotions associated with it.

By matching themes and messages effectively, businesses can create powerful connections between their products/services and customers' desires or needs.

Using Personal Stories for Business Communication

In this section, the speaker discusses the use of personal stories in business communication and how they can be effective in conveying messages.

Personal Stories as Metaphors

Personal stories can be used as metaphors to help explain complex concepts or features of a product or service.

By extracting the essence of a personal story, it is possible to find metaphors, similes, or examples that can effectively convey a message.

Speaking with Adjacency

When helping businesses communicate their message, it is important to focus on the feelings and emotions associated with the content rather than just the content itself.

By matching themes, meanings, or messages between personal stories and business communication, it is possible to create powerful connections that resonate with the audience.

The transcript provided does not cover all parts of the video.

The Power of Stacking Strategies

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of stacking strategies to create a memorable and impactful moment. They emphasize the need to become memorable in a conference setting and among other scientists.

Stacking Strategies

Stacking strategies is an effective approach to create powerful and memorable moments.

It is important to pull in various elements discussed earlier to make the moment impactful.

Becoming memorable is crucial when attending conferences or interacting with other scientists.

Building a Bank of Stories

The speaker introduces the concept of building a bank of stories as a recommended approach. They mention that this idea aligns with the Homework for Life framework they recommend.

Homework for Life Framework

The Homework for Life framework is recommended for everyone, regardless of whether they plan on speaking or not.

It involves finding one moment worth telling as a story from each day and writing it down.

By doing this, one can develop a lens for storytelling and discover more moments worth remembering.

The goal is to have an endless number of stories by consistently practicing Homework for Life.

Discovering More Stories through Homework for Life

The speaker explains how they came up with the Homework for Life process and its impact on their storytelling journey. They highlight that by practicing Homework for Life, they discovered more stories than they could ever tell.

Benefits of Homework for Life

Initially worried about running out of stories, the speaker assigned themselves homework every day before bed.

Using an Excel spreadsheet, they recorded one moment per day that would be worth telling as a story.

Over time, they realized their life was filled with more stories than they could imagine.

Homework for Life helps develop a storytelling lens, allowing one to see moments they previously overlooked.

The speaker found 1.8 moments per day in the first year of practicing Homework for Life, and now finds 7.6 moments per day.

It's not about having a more interesting life but having a better lens to recognize what is worth remembering.

Homework for Life allows one to recover forgotten stories from the past and connect them with present moments.

The Therapeutic Element of Homework for Life

The speaker discusses the therapeutic elements of Homework for Life, including slowing down time and recovering memories. They emphasize that it is not just about collecting stories but also acknowledging the value of each day.

Therapeutic Benefits

Practicing Homework for Life helps recover time and slows down the perception of time passing quickly.

By holding onto memories through daily reflections, parents can better appreciate their children's growth.

Homework for Life ensures that each day has something worth remembering and acknowledging.

A prompt used by the speaker is imagining being forced to tell a story about something that happened today to save their family.

Memories from the past resurface as one develops a storytelling lens, leading to more recovered stories.

The transcript provided does not include timestamps beyond this point.

Recognizing Patterns in Life

The speaker discusses how engaging in self-reflection allows individuals to identify patterns in their lives. By practicing the art of storytelling, one can gain insights into their own behavior and relationships.

Self-Reflection and Storytelling

Engaging in self-reflection helps individuals recognize patterns in their lives.

Storytellers tend to be slightly self-centered, allowing themselves time to think about their own experiences.

Through storytelling, one can uncover hidden patterns and behaviors that may not be immediately apparent.

Personal Example of Unrecognized Patterns

The speaker shares a personal example from his life to illustrate how he discovered an unrecognized pattern through the practice of storytelling.

Air Conditioners and Lawn Mowing

Despite claiming that he never fights with his wife, the speaker realizes a pattern of conflict through his homework for life.

Initially refusing to put air conditioners on a hot day, the speaker eventually does so while expressing frustration.

Similarly, when asked to mow the lawn on another hot day, the speaker initially refuses but eventually does it angrily.

These moments reveal a pattern of fighting with his wife indirectly through chores without her awareness.

Discovering Unseen Stories

The speaker emphasizes how practicing homework for life allows individuals to uncover stories they would have otherwise missed.

Cookout with Neighbors

A seemingly insignificant event of having a cookout with neighbors becomes a story when recorded as part of homework for life.

Months later, both neighboring couples announce their divorces within days of each other.

This experience highlights the importance of understanding what goes on behind closed doors in marriages.

Benefits of Homework for Life

The speaker explains the benefits of consistently practicing homework for life and sharing stories with others.

Gaining Insights and Trajectory

Homework for life provides a collection of moments that would otherwise be forgotten.

By reviewing these moments, one can gain insights into their own behavior and relationships.

Sharing stories with others helps to refine storytelling skills and engage in meaningful conversations.

Even though initial stories may not be great, putting thought into what is being said improves storytelling abilities over time.

Starting the Process

The speaker provides guidance on how to start practicing homework for life and incorporating storytelling into daily routines.

Watching TED Talk and Daily Commitment

Watching the speaker's TED talk on homework for life provides a more detailed understanding of the practice.

Committing to doing homework for life every single day, even when there seems to be nothing significant happening, is crucial.

Having faith in the process is important as it takes time to develop storytelling skills and recognize meaningful moments.

Finding Good Listeners

The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding good listeners who are willing to engage in meaningful conversations.

Active Listening and Practicing Storytelling

Most people claim to be great listeners but lack active listening skills.

Finding individuals who are willing to listen attentively is valuable when starting to share stories.

Putting thought into what is being said distinguishes storytellers from those who simply speak without strategic decision-making.

Becoming an Entertaining Storyteller

The speaker highlights that becoming an entertaining storyteller requires thoughtful decision-making rather than language proficiency.

Decision-Making and Entertaining Others

Storytelling is not about language proficiency but rather about making strategic decisions before speaking.

Thinking before speaking and making tactical decisions ultimately leads to entertaining storytelling.

Most storytelling in the world is not very good, so putting thought into what is being said sets one apart.

The transcript provided was already in English.

Homework for Life

The speaker recommends using a method called "Homework for Life" to track and remember memorable moments throughout the day. By recording these memories, they can be used as material for storytelling or personal reflection.

Tracking Memories with Homework for Life

The speaker suggests adding to your "Homework for Life" at night before going to sleep by opening Google Sheets on your phone.

To avoid forgetting important moments, it is recommended to track memories throughout the day. This can be done by making it a habit to reflect on what happened in the morning during lunchtime, in the afternoon when you get home from work, and in the evening.

These memories should be recorded in a spreadsheet or any other meaningful way to keep track of them effectively.

Benefits of Homework for Life

Building up a collection of memories through Homework for Life allows you to have a wealth of material for storytelling.

It is common to get confused about when certain memories occurred, so marking them as memories and organizing them helps prevent confusion.

Starting Homework for Life today is crucial because every day that you don't record memories is a day lost forever.

Overcoming Nervousness in Public Speaking

The speaker shares advice on dealing with nervousness when speaking publicly. They explain that most nervousness occurs before starting the speech and offer tips on reducing anxiety.

Understanding Pre-Talk Nervousness

98% of nervousness experienced during public speaking happens before actually beginning the speech.

Once you start speaking, most of the nervousness tends to fade away.

Realizing that pre-talk nervousness is normal can provide relief and help manage anxiety.

Everyone Gets Nervous

Even famous individuals seen on TV experience nervousness before speaking.

Accepting that everyone feels nervous can help alleviate the pressure and anxiety associated with public speaking.

Preparation and Practice

Practicing your speech or pitch is essential for reducing nervousness.

Recording your talk and listening to it passively, such as while doing daily tasks, helps internalize the content and make it easier to recall during the actual presentation.

With enough practice, you can reach a point where you can confidently retell your talk without feeling overly nervous.

Lightning Round and Conclusion

The speaker discusses their personal experiences with nerves on stage and emphasizes the importance of preparation in overcoming nervousness. They also mention the benefits of recording and listening to one's own talks.

Personal Experiences with Nervousness

The speaker shares that they have only been nervous twice on stage while giving a story.

One instance was related to PTSD, while the other was due to performing in front of Seth Meyers.

Most people experience nervousness when speaking publicly, including the speaker themselves.

Importance of Preparation

Being well-prepared reduces levels of nervousness before speaking.

The speaker advises practicing talks or pitches thoroughly to build confidence.

Benefits of Recording Talks

Listening to recorded talks repeatedly helps internalize the content and makes it easier to recall during future presentations.

By allowing talks to sink into memory through repeated listening, one can become more comfortable delivering them.

This summary covers key points from specific timestamps in the transcript.

The Importance of Creating Transitions

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creating transitions in a talk or story to ensure smooth flow and avoid getting stuck.

Creating Transitions

When preparing for a talk, it is crucial to plan out transitions between different sections.

By creating transitions, one can easily move from one topic to another without feeling lost or unsure.

Memorization should be avoided as it can lead to unnecessary stress and pressure.

Instead of memorizing the entire talk, focus on knowing the key scenes and their transitions.

Building transitions beforehand helps maintain coherence even if each scene doesn't come out perfectly.

The Power of Saying Yes

This section discusses the power of saying yes to opportunities and how it can lead to unexpected benefits.

Saying Yes vs. No

It is recommended to say yes to opportunities rather than automatically saying no.

While saying yes may result in great stories, that shouldn't be the sole purpose behind it.

Many valuable stories come from ordinary moments in life where something significant happens internally.

Saying no without exploring what's behind the door is presumptuous and limits personal growth.

Stepping through doors and trying new things often leads to extraordinary opportunities and experiences.

It's important not to fear stepping through doors just because they seem challenging or unfamiliar.

The transcript provided does not contain enough content for additional sections.

New Section

This section discusses the power of saying yes and how it can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

The Power of Saying Yes

Saying yes to something you initially didn't want to say yes to can lead to extraordinary chains of events.

There is a quote that says, "The cave you fear contains the treasure you seek." It emphasizes the idea that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to great things.

The speaker shares a personal example of how he initially said no to doing stand-up comedy because he was terrified of it. However, after reconsidering, he said yes and has now performed stand-up many times. The person who initially asked him to do stand-up has never done it themselves due to fear.

The speaker believes that doing things that scare you are often the best for personal growth and development. He encourages embracing fear and taking on challenges.

New Section

In this section, the speaker concludes his thoughts on embracing fear and shares book recommendations.

Embracing Fear and Book Recommendations

The speaker reiterates his belief in facing fears as a means of personal growth. He expresses his readiness for the lightning round segment but declines further discussion on his previous points.

When asked about book recommendations, the speaker suggests "Heart of the Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick, which is a non-fiction account of the whaling ship Essex that inspired Moby Dick. He also recommends "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate D Camilo as a beautiful young adult novel suitable for all ages. Additionally, he mentions Jesse Klein's books and suggests reading works by David Sedaris.

New Section

The speaker shares his thoughts on recent movies and TV shows he enjoyed.

Favorite Movies and TV Shows

The speaker mentions that he enjoyed the TV show "The Last of Us," which is based on a video game. He praises its unpredictability and storytelling, particularly highlighting a bottle episode in the middle of the season.

As for movies, the speaker expresses surprise at how much he enjoyed the Barbie movie, emphasizing that stories about anything can be meaningful if they resonate with audiences.

New Section

The speaker discusses his favorite interview question and recommends two products.

Interview Question and Product Recommendations

The speaker reveals that his favorite interview question is not about what people do but rather how they got into their current job. He finds it interesting to learn about the path individuals took to reach their current positions, even if it differs from their initial aspirations. He acknowledges that this question can sometimes elicit emotional responses from people who realize they are not doing what they truly want to do.

In terms of product recommendations, the speaker suggests the Krer Tree Genie as an excellent Christmas tree stand that aligns with his own design ideas. He also mentions a Power Pod, a small device attached to a keychain that can charge phones twice, ensuring one never runs out of battery power.

The Nostalgia Hot Dog Toaster

In this section, the speaker talks about a hot dog toaster from the 1950s that they find beautiful and functional. They share their love for hot dogs and how the toaster can make two buns and two hot dogs at once in just three minutes.

The speaker describes a hot dog toaster from the 1950s that is visually appealing and suitable for display on a counter.

They express their fondness for hot dogs and highlight the convenience of the toaster, which can toast two buns and two hot dogs simultaneously.

The process is quick, taking only three minutes to have a ready-to-eat hot dog.

Positive Mental Attitude as a Life Motto

In this section, the speaker discusses their favorite life motto, which they learned in fourth grade. They explain how it has had a significant impact on their life and mindset.

The speaker recalls being told by a teacher in fourth grade that having a positive mental attitude is key to success.

This motto stuck with them throughout their life, influencing their perspective and approach to challenges.

They emphasize that maintaining positivity has been instrumental in shaping their mindset and outlook on life.

Framing Life with Positivity

Here, the speaker elaborates on their relentlessly positive nature and how they believe it contributes to success. They discuss how framing situations positively can enhance one's overall experience of life.

The speaker considers themselves an optimist who maintains an overwhelmingly positive attitude.

They acknowledge that some people may find this level of positivity overwhelming or offensive.

However, they firmly believe that one's mindset greatly influences how they perceive and navigate through life.

The speaker shares that adopting a positive mental attitude early on made a lasting impact on their life.

Impact of a Positive Mental Attitude

In this section, the speaker reflects on the timing and personal disposition that made the positive mental attitude motto resonate with them. They discuss how it helped them during a challenging time in fourth grade.

The speaker suggests that the positive mental attitude motto may have had a more significant impact due to the specific circumstances they were facing at the time.

They mention experiencing difficulties with friendships during fourth grade, making them more receptive to advice for improving their life.

The speaker believes that their predisposition towards optimism also played a role in how well they embraced and internalized the motto.

Becoming Better Storytellers

Here, the speaker shares two essential elements for becoming better storytellers: starting every story with location and action. They explain how these elements engage listeners and create an immersive storytelling experience.

The speaker advises starting every story by setting the location, which activates imagination and helps listeners visualize the scene.

By providing specific details about the location, such as a kitchen, listeners can mentally construct vivid images related to their own experiences.

Additionally, beginning with action immediately captures audience attention and indicates that something is happening or progressing in the story.

The speaker uses examples from movies like Star Wars to illustrate how starting with action creates intrigue and draws people into a narrative.

They emphasize that these storytelling techniques are particularly useful for individuals from marginalized or discriminated against groups who may struggle to be heard otherwise.

Practical Tip for Storytelling Improvement

In this section, the speaker offers one practical tip for becoming better storytellers: always start stories with location and action. They explain how this approach captivates listeners' attention and provides an opportunity to hold their interest throughout.

The speaker reiterates the importance of beginning stories with location and action.

They highlight that starting with location activates imagination and helps listeners create a detailed mental image.

By immediately introducing action, storytellers signal to the audience that they are embarking on an engaging narrative.

The speaker shares that many people who have learned this storytelling technique from them have reported positive results, including increased attention from listeners.

Finding Matthew Dick Online

In this section, the speaker provides information on where to find Matthew Dick online for further learning and potential collaboration.

The speaker mentions that they can be found at matthewdick.com, which serves as their personal website.

For individuals interested in business-oriented content or learning opportunities, they recommend visiting storyworthymd.com, which offers courses and online training.

This summary is based on the provided transcript. Timestamps may not align perfectly due to differences in transcription and video playback.

The Power of Storytelling

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creating space for storytelling and encourages listeners to offer someone five minutes of their time to share their story.

Creating Space for Storytelling

The speaker wishes that more people would be willing to listen to others' stories.

They encourage individuals to offer someone five minutes of their time so that they can finally speak about something they've been waiting to share.

By creating space for storytelling, there will be more opportunities for storytelling in the world.

This may ultimately lead to people being interested in buying the speaker's book, visiting their website, or taking training with them.

Conclusion and Gratitude

The speaker concludes by expressing gratitude and thanking the host for having them on the show.

Expressing Gratitude

The speaker expresses appreciation for being invited as a guest on the show.

They thank the host, Matt, for having them and acknowledge his presence throughout the conversation.

Call-to-Action

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or their favorite podcast app if they found it valuable.

Leaving a rating or review is also suggested as it helps other listeners discover the podcast.