Storytelling is an enthralling art form that functions as a potent tool for connection and communication. Essentially, storytelling is the craft of telling stories by combining language, feelings, and creativity to entertain, inform, or elicit a certain reaction from the listener.
Margot Brett Leitman Curry, a storyteller, started with stand-up comedy for six years in New York City and was a theater enthusiast in college. She began telling one true story as the full set and later assumed a new position where she teaches people about pitching and selling at the university. She won a storytelling contest on one-story connections in a variety show. A few weeks later, she competed in a narrative contest about good food. A co-storyteller of hers shared a similar story, but instead of performing it, she chose to use her previous "terrible" narrative that had gone viral a few weeks prior, and she won.
She believes that storytelling is vital to presentation, as people connect more with stories than facts. Surrounding facts with a story while presenting something enhances the impact. She shared some stories about how to manage your audience, one of which is Steve Jobs's backpocket story. In the iPhone launch, he experienced a technical malfunction, and his slide presentation failed. Instead of leaving the audience, he shared a funny story from his youth, and by the time the malfunction was resolved, he continued.
The art of storytelling spans many genres and mediums, from interactive media and novels to podcasts, movies, and traditional oral storytelling passed down through generations. For Margot, understanding the audience is crucial. Learning to discern the audience's mood—whether they prefer something more serious or funny—is important. The story must be true, as people can sense authenticity. "You may not be the most special in the world, but what you can be is relatable to your audience. Have your audience tap into you and see themselves through your story," is her solid foundation in storytelling.
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