What are the best ways to learn from other storytellers?

One of the most important things about storytelling outside the narrative structure is 'emotion'. When a story elicits emotion, that's when it becomes real inside of the reader, viewer or receiver. When these biological changes happen, that's when a story has had real effect. So to become a better storyteller notice this when it happens to you. When you read, watch or hear stories and reverse engineer that moment. What was it that made you feel that? What were the stages that led up to that moment? What words triggered that emotion? Once we start to get analytical about those moments we begin to see patterns and ultimately become better storytellers.

Read stories and storytellers you prize. Be a chameleon and drink all their hues and reflect them. Carry some colors away and make them your own.

Great storytellers are those who understand themselves deeply and are vulnerable. That vulnerability drives the emotional connection we yearn for and expect when watching or listening to a story. Also, don’t just watch and reach- connect! Talk to them, ask questions, learn their process!

The first TV story I produced was an utter disaster- I was nearly fired. The next time was a report on the closing of Fort Dix in New Jersey. The film A Soldier’s Story had just come out. I watched the film 12 times and wrote down every shot. Then I reproduce the film but at Fort Dix. It was so successful that I was made a Senior Producer. The best storytellers are showing you how to do it on Netflix every day- learn from the best. As Picasso said - good artists imitate- great ones steal

Ever tried watching a movie with the sound off? Try it, and you'll see the framework of the movie. When reading, read that story several times. See if you can spot the seams. You can also try this old trick: Find a great story and type it out—every word. You'll see the mechanics. Watch comedians: Notice where they put the punchline. See how the comedian knows when to shut up? Bad comedians talk too much. Good ones use language carefully. Then notice that all storytelling has a punchline—it's just not always funny. Read the books on storytelling, such as Story for movies and Bird by Bird for fiction Read, read, read. Read until your brain hurts, and then read more because it's like going to the gym.

Storytelling is a Community activity. Humans have gathered for centuries to share stories with one another. We all meet to 'catch-up' with each other and share stories. However, joining a special community of eager storytellers is the most productive way to better your storytelling skills. Most cities in India have toastmasters clubs, storytelling networks and trainers like me have developed small communities of their own. There are spoken word events, networking events and collaborative shows that enable story believers to listen, learn and tell.

If you really want a crash course in storytelling, make up stories and tell them to children. Kids are amazing critics and they will spare no punches. If you can tell engaging stories to children, you can tell them to anyone.

Practicing storytelling is an essential skill in business. Whether it's telling the story of what your business offers or connecting to an audience by sharing a story that is relevant to your topic, this skill will help make you and your business more relatable. How many times have you watched a speaker or listened to a podcast and thought, "That's so me"? That connection is essential. It's not just practicing words to recite, it's practicing reliving the story in a way that can be shared emotionally but with a bit of distance. This also requires the ability to improvise and keep going when a mistake happens. Lives and talks are the best because you get instant feedback and there's a bit of positive pressure. Get practicing!

I would add that looking for any supplementary material about the story, film, or other media you’re trying to learn from can be invaluable. Articles, blogs, and video essays that pinpoint techniques that are employed by the media you’re studying can give you a new appreciation and awareness of how a storyteller has accomplished something. Once you understand the technique, sample the media again while watching out for it, and it’ll seem far more obvious. This will allow you to see how it worked and giving you ideas for how you can employ the same way of doing things, or twist them into something slightly different.

To think through the seven basic plots (and which one you'd like to use), it's helpful to list out concrete examples and uncover which plots tend to resonate with you or your audience. This is how I found out my favorite plot is Rebirth: stories like Groundhog Day, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Shawshank Redemption, Beauty and the Beast, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind all follow the same plot structure. This is part of why Dove’s Real Beauty campaign worked on me, too. On the flip side, I know the Rags to Riches plot structure isn't my favorite — and I know my best friend is more likely to be drawn to a Tragedy. Once you study the basic plots, you can come to a better understanding of why people are drawn to certain media.

Reflect on anything that doesn't follow the dominant model (the hero's journey). The often illuminate different problems - and different solutions.

My background is all in sales. Over the years, have dropped the pitch and now share stories, no epic sagas, simply concise examples from experience that resonate with the listener. Sharing successes, failures and anything quirky or interesting will command attention. In these situations, one is looking for connection, not applause. A good way to learn is to listen to great newscasters, they have to bring clarity and brevity to complex issues. In your own business, do it often enough that it becomes part of who you are.

Exploring stories is the best way to expose our mind to newer perspectives and thinking angles. Most people fixate on the outcome of exploring stories: to bring out in writing, create a podcast, start a newsletter—so there's always an ask before connecting with other people. While this is very important, sometimes the key factor of being "genuinely curious" is missed out—that takes 90% of exploring diverse stories and exposing ourselves to vulnerability and raw observations, and the 10% of converging these stories will automatically fall in place.

Stories sell Content tells And there are 2 types of stories One where you tell a story and let the audience work out the meaning for them Or tell people the story and relate it to the message you want the audience member to walk away with

Top Tip: Anytime you want to leave a lasting impression, lead with a story. People will remember stories over almost anything else you tell them. Blog article? Tell a story! Keynote speech? Tell a story! LinkedIn post? Tell a story! Video Marketing Tip? Tell a story! Master storytelling and you'll be able to communicate just about anything to anyone.

Listening not to respond but to learn. Not every story starts with “once upon a time ...” listening allows you to “absorb” what is being said