Story workshop
Lesson 13 of 16 in the course “Speak with Confidence”. Free, with animations and a quiz.
Five seconds when everything changes
Matthew Dicks, a teacher and many-time winner of The Moth storytelling competitions, says every good story is about change, and the change itself takes seconds. The moment you realised, decided, got scared or stopped being scared. Don’t start with “what should I tell?”. First find that moment, then choose where to start and where to end.
Homework for Life
Dicks also has a habit he calls “Homework for Life”. Every evening he writes one sentence about the most story-worthy moment of the day. Not a whole story, just the moment: a spat at the checkout, a surprise compliment, a text at 11:40 pm. In a month you’ll have dozens of starters, and “what should I tell?” stops being scary. Start tonight.
Shorter is stronger
The shortest story fits in three sentences: before, then, after. “On my first day at a new job I stayed silent on every call. On day three the team lead asked me to show my mock-up to everyone. Since then I’m the first to turn my camera on.” If a story won’t squeeze into three sentences, you probably don’t yet know what it’s about. The trainer starts with this drill.
Three random words
An improv drill: you get three random words and have to build a story from them with a hero, a problem and a twist. At first it feels impossible, then your brain starts finding links faster and faster. It’s direct practice for thinking on your feet: a question from the audience or a debate also needs you to tie what you have into a clear story, fast.
Start with the opposite
Another Dicks tip: a story’s beginning should be the opposite of its end. If the ending is “now I speak in public”, start with “I was sure it wasn’t for me”. That way listeners feel the distance the hero travelled. That’s how Mira will close her pitch on demo day: “Six weeks ago I was sure public speaking wasn’t for me. And now I’m standing in front of you.”
Check yourself
- According to Dicks, where should you start working on a story?
Correct answer: With the moment of change, which lasts seconds. A story is about change. Find its moment and you’ll know where to start and end. - What do you do in “Homework for Life”?
Correct answer: Every evening, write one sentence about the day’s most story-worthy moment. One sentence a day is light enough to keep going, and in a month it gives you dozens of starters. - The story ends: “Now I’m the one who volunteers to speak.” Which opening is stronger?
Correct answer: “I used to hide behind people so I wouldn’t get called on”. An opening that’s the opposite of the ending shows the hero’s journey, and that journey holds attention.
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