How to tell a story : the essential guide to memorable storytelling from The Moth Cover Image

Book

How to tell a story : the essential guide to memorable storytelling from The Moth / Meg Bowles, Catherine Burns, Jenifer Hixson, Sarah Austin Jenness, and Kate Tellers ; [foreword by Padma Lakshmi ; introduction by Chenjerai Kumanyika].

Bowles, Meg, 1957- (author.). Burns, Catherine, 1969- (author., Author). Hixson, Jenifer, (author., Author). Jenness, Sarah Austin, (author., Author). Tellers, Kate, (author., Author). Lakshmi, Padma, (writer of foreword., Author of introduction, etc.). Kumanyika, Chenjerai, (writer of introduction., Writer of introduction).

Summary:

"Over the past twenty-five years, the directors of The Moth have worked with people from all walks of life - including astronauts, rock stars, Nobel Prize-winners, high school students, dental hygienists, and a retired pickpocket - to develop true personal stories that have moved and delighted millions of listeners on the Moth's Peabody Award-winning radio hour and podcast. A leader in the modern storytelling movement, The Moth also inspires thousands of people around the globe to share their stories each year. Now, with 'How to Tell a Story', you will learn how to uncover and craft your own unique stories, like Moth storytellers such as Mike Birbiglia, Rosanne Cash, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Gopnik, Amanda Gorman, Padma Lakshmi, Hasan Minhaj, Tig Notaro, Boots Riley, Molly Ringwald, Krista Tippett, John Turturro, and more. Whether your goal is to make it to The Moth stage, deliver the perfect wedding toast, wow clients at a business dinner, give a moving eulogy, ace a job interview, be a hit at parties, or simply connect more deeply to those around you, stories are essential... The Moth team will help you present your most authentic self to the world - and tell stories that will forge lasting connections with coworkers, clients, friends, and family"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 9780593139028
ISBN: 059313902X
Physical Description: xxi, 327 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Edition: Trade paperback edition.
Publisher: New York : Crown, 2023.
Copyright: ©2022

Content descriptions

General Note:	Includes story prompts.
Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (page 286) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	Foreword / Padma Lakshmi -- Introduction / Chenjerai Kumanyika -- Part 1: Everyone has a story. Welcome to the Moth. Why "The Moth"? ; Why true stories? ; What happens when we listen -- No notes, no net. Your very own Moth director ; The rules we play by ; Everyone has a story - yes Evelyn, even you -- Developing your story. Mining for memories. You are the main character ; The kickoff ; Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes ; Decisions, decisions ; Look for the ouch -- The foundation. Stakes ; Anecdote vs. story ; A big little story ; Finding your arc ; Your one sentence -- The materials. Narrative stepping stones ; Finding the scenes ; Details ; Backstory ; Up and over -- Magnifying the emotion. Humor ; Are you ready to tell your story? ; Telling stories about people who have died --- Structuring your story. Chronological ; The flashback ; The callback as framing ; When a smaller story carries the weight of a larger story ; Choosing a unique lens -- Beginnings and endings. And...action! ; Coming in for a landing -- Telling your story. From page to stage. Memorization vs. familiarization ; Say it out loud ; Notes on delivery -- All the world's a stage. Nerves ; Who is your audience -- The power of story. The ripple effect. Stories in school ; Stories at work ; Stories with family ; Stories in the world -- Listening. Stories as antidote ; Stories evoke reflection -- Afterword / Sarah Haberman.