What skills do you need to succeed in a storytelling career for Culture Change?

1 Storytelling frameworks

One of the first skills you need to master is how to structure your stories using storytelling frameworks. These are models or templates that guide you through the elements of a good story, such as the hero, the problem, the solution, the conflict, and the resolution. Some common frameworks are the hero's journey, the three-act structure, and the STAR method. Using a framework helps you organize your ideas, create a clear narrative arc, and build emotional connection with your audience.

2 Audience analysis

Another key skill is to understand your audience and tailor your stories to their needs, interests, and values. Audience analysis involves researching and segmenting your audience based on factors such as demographics, psychographics, motivations, and challenges. This helps you craft stories that are relevant, relatable, and engaging for your audience. You also need to consider the context and purpose of your storytelling, such as the medium, the tone, the length, and the call to action.

3 Content creation

Content creation is the skill of generating and developing ideas for your stories. This involves using techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, freewriting, and storytelling prompts. You also need to use sources such as data, research, anecdotes, and testimonials to support your stories and make them credible and compelling. Content creation also requires creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking to find and tell stories that are original, meaningful, and memorable.

4 Storytelling techniques

Storytelling techniques are the skill of using language, voice, and body to enhance your stories and captivate your audience. These include using devices such as metaphors, similes, analogies, imagery, dialogue, humor, and suspense. You also need to use vocal techniques such as pitch, tone, volume, pace, and pauses to convey emotion, emphasis, and rhythm. Additionally, you need to use body language such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and posture to communicate confidence, enthusiasm, and rapport.

5 Storytelling feedback

Storytelling feedback is the skill of seeking and receiving feedback on your stories from others. This helps you improve your stories, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your mistakes. You can get feedback from various sources, such as mentors, peers, coaches, or audiences. You need to ask for specific, constructive, and actionable feedback that focuses on both the content and the delivery of your stories. You also need to be open-minded, respectful, and grateful for the feedback you receive.

6 Storytelling practice

Storytelling practice is the skill of rehearsing and refining your stories before you share them with your audience. This helps you polish your stories, boost your confidence, and overcome your nerves. You can practice your stories in different ways, such as recording yourself, using a mirror, or performing in front of a small group. You need to practice your stories repeatedly, focusing on both the content and the delivery, and making adjustments based on the feedback you get.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?