How do you develop your storytelling voice in different genres?

Important to note: the word "storytelling" has been co-opted some. Where it OUGHT to mean "universal human impulse for authentic expression," it's too often come to be degraded into some way more tepid and toothless like "mouthing talking points of brand messaging." Which is not to say advocating for brand is inherently bad or wrong, I just think conflating terms like this erodes clarity and verges on the disingenuous/deceptive. But it remains possible to be an authentic storyteller in a professional setting - it demands self awareness, some clear boundaries between personal and professional, and lots of practice.

Developing my storytelling voice across different genres has been a dynamic process of adaptation and creativity. I start by understanding the core elements and expectations of each genre, whether it’s professional, motivational, or personal. From there, I tailor my tone, language, and style to fit the narrative's purpose. In professional settings, I focus on clarity and leadership, using data and examples to build trust. For motivational stories, I infuse positivity and future-oriented thinking, aiming to inspire. When it's personal, I focus on authenticity and connection, sharing relatable experiences. Looking ahead, evolving my storytelling voice to suit different audiences keeps my communication engaging, versatile, and impactful.

Adapting your voice to different genres is something we actually practice every day, sometimes without even realizing it. Consider the punchline in a funny story you share with friends—that's one kind of storytelling voice. Relaying a tragic event demands another, more somber tone. We're hardwired for this sort of flexible communication. We can leverage this natural aptitude for narrative to elicit specific reactions like empathy, humor, or anger. The point is to be mindful of it. Know your audience and the emotional response you're aiming for, then craft your voice to suit that goal. It's not just about adhering to genre conventions; it's about harnessing your innate storytelling abilities to make the most impact.

This is about be open and receptive to dancing with your audience. Whereby you are tailoring and rescinding to their reactions and needs. Still remaining true to your core and voice, you can adjust and deviate based the scenario. As humans, we do this all the time in communications - and for me - storytelling IS communication ... so the same applies.

To paraphrase Whitman, we all contain multitudes. I'd adjust this question from "How to adapt…" which connotes a (perceived) need to mutate/contort ourselves to suit the context, to something closer to "What part of my expressive self should I access to best serve my communicative goals here?" While yes, it is important to form a sound conception of the rules and tropes of whatever form, I'd argue it's more important to learn your own unique VERSION of expressing yourself in the form. "Comedy story" is sufficiently broad to be a meaningless category - if the comedic manner natural to me is bookish and dry in the style of John Hodgman, it will make no sense for me to attempt the sly, transgressive bawdiness of Sarah Silverman.

One way to gauge whether your metaphorical voice is right for you is to use your literal voice: read your story out loud. If you are able to read what you've written smoothly and naturally, you've probably found a voice that works for you. If you find you stumble over words, your sentences sound stilted or overwrought, or you can't find a rhythm, you probably haven't found your written voice.

Exercises to cultivate a cross-genre writing voice: GENRE ITERATIONS: Write a short story, then rewrite it in other genres. Try retelling “Goldilocks & the Three Bears” as: ???Historical fiction ???Dystopian thriller ???Superhero/anti-hero ???Steampunk romance IMITATE VOICES: Choose cross-genre excerpts and write pieces imitating their styles to understand how elements of voice function. Some authors and the lessons their prose offers: ???JRR Tolkien: Archaic, formal style rich in mythology and linguistic depth ???Margaret Atwood: Straightforward narratives with complex themes ???Stephen King: Conversational, unpretentious narratives blending the mundane with supernatural ???Toni Morrison: Lyrical prose, rich in metaphor Have fun! ????

For inexperienced writer/storytellers, there's a second-guessing tendency toward (call it, say) Audience Expectation Triangulation, by which I mean they become so consumed with a projected/imagined sense of what a reader/listener wants they can lose all sense of what they intended to say in the first place. As a consequence of this - understandable, certainly, since we're all insecure/wish to "do well" - tendency, the resulting text/presentation has the unfocused feel of an A.I. collage/pastiche. Far better to be BOLDLY wrong. Writing/storytelling of whatever form in whatever context is necessarily the result of an INDIVIDUAL intelligence endeavoring to make itself known, NOT formless, focus-grouped inoffensiveness.

Don't try to be someone else. The more you incorporate other influences, the more you will lose yourself. Be inspired by others ... but don't try to become them.

To nail your voice, →Tap into your heart →Keep it straight, and →Own your words. Imagine fitting into your go-to jacket, snug and just right feeling

Creating your own unique voice for storytelling can be done in two ways: 1- Reading all kinds of storytelling styles and mastering the techniques and features of these styles and choosing your favorite style from one of them. 2- Paying attention and giving strength to your inherent characteristics in expressing words and speaking style. It is your art to do with practice and passion. Storytelling is both an inherent art and a practiced skill. If these two are combined, you may be the other princess of your world.

Many new writers spend more time and effort than is useful trying to develop their voice. Trying too hard creates a forced voice. Your voice will develop naturally the more you write. If you are writing in first person and trying to find a voice for your narrator, it may be helpful to imagine an actor or celebrity saying the words. Frances McDormand, Christopher Plummer, and Rihanna will all 'sound' different when telling the same story. Channel your narrator and they will tell you what words you need to put on the page for them.

Finding your storytelling groove in different genres is like being a DJ at a wild party. Start by jamming to various genres, read all kinds of stuff to catch those vibes. Dive into writing in different styles; it is like trying out new dance moves. Your unique storytelling voice pops up when you're having a blast. It's like stumbling upon your favorite song in a massive playlist. So, keep mixin' it up, see what clicks, and let your storytelling swagger shine in all the genres you vibe with!

Developing a storytelling voice in different genres requires research and in depth knowledge of the genres. For example the way you word your story will be different when it’s data centric. Similarly the format of the story varies depending on if the genre is technical or informal.

Just remember that all communication is an opportunity storytelling. The moment you view it through that lens you can really open yourself up to enhancing the impacts you can have every day through your life. Storytelling is not just for that big moment.... it is for the every moment. Stories. Change. Lives.