This holiday season let’s make a little space for the magic of storytelling. Stories are so much more than entertainment; they connect, inspire and inform – and, at times, can even heal us.
Storytelling has the power to break down walls, reminding us why certain things matter, helping us let go of stuff that has been holding us back and bringing us together in ways we may never have expected.
As we savor our time with loved ones, embracing storytelling by sharing our own stories, and especially listening to theirs, opens a path to understanding ourselves and others more deeply.
I recently interviewed Catherine Burns, former artistic director of The Moth, an organization dedicated to the art of storytelling, for my podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition. Catherine has worked with thousands of people like you and me to help craft and share stories with confidence.
As co-author of the Moth’s book, “How to Tell a Story,” Burns created a practical guide to turning our own experiences into stories that are memorable and impactful.
Our podcast interview was just over an hour of lively conversation, with Catherine graciously sharing her expertise. To streamline for this column, though, I’ve narrowed it down to five key elements to consider when crafting your story, along with a few common pitfalls to avoid.
Tighten Up the Beginning and End. Catherine emphasizes the importance of having a clear beginning and ending when telling a story. “People remember the first and last things they hear,” she said. Using the first few sentences to set the stage and tone of the story will draw listeners in. And when you close, make it memorable – a reflection on what the experience taught you or why it still matters to you today.
Paint the Scene. A good story helps listeners visualize what’s happening. “Imagine you’re painting a picture for your audience,” Catherine suggests. Include sensory details like sounds, smells, or a striking color—these details bring your story to life and help the listener feel like they’re right there with you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Let Your Emotions Show. Storytelling is as much about what we feel as what we say. “If we’re willing to be vulnerable, to show our heart, that will connect us with our audience.,” said Catherine. By letting our guard down, we can create a space where others can relate, understand and even open up themselves.
Set Up the Stakes. Every story needs stakes, where something important to you is on the line, says Catherine. “What do you have to win or lose? Why do you care about what happens in the story? Because if you can convince us that you care, then we’re just going to automatically care too. Stakes give listeners a reason to be invested in your story.”
Keep It Simple. Catherine cautions against adding too many details or tangents. “We often feel that we need to include every little thing, but that can detract from the core of the story,” she explains. Focusing on one main storyline and sticking to a single message or lesson makes your story clearer and easier for others to connect with.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
As exciting as storytelling can be, Catherine cautions against a few pitfalls.
Avoid “advising” during your story; sharing is about letting others take what they need from your experience, rather than telling them what to do.
Steer clear of too many specific dates, names and characters – unless it’s a central component to the story.
Don’t feel pressure to always end on a positive note; sometimes, honesty about a situation is more impactful than trying to make it upbeat.
Holiday gatherings give us the opportunity to connect and laugh together. Use this season as a jumping-off point for storytelling, a practice round to get comfortable with sharing a little more and listening a little closer. Whether it’s a story-prompt kit, a favorite memory, or just a curious question, strengthening our habit of storytelling can keep us connected all year long.
Storytelling Tools and Resources
If you’re interested in bringing more storytelling into your holiday gatherings or gifting storytelling as a meaningful gift, here are a few resources to get started.
Storytelling Platforms.
Resources like Storyworth and My Life in a Book help family stories by providing a series of questions (Storyworth is weekly email prompts; My Life in a Book is more extensive with a questionnaire at the onset). The individual responds to the questions via email, which are then compiled into a beautiful hardcover book at the end of the project.
For those who find the writing portion feels intimidating, or like ‘homework’, Remento is a great option. It records interviews weekly from any type of device and turns these spoken answers into written stories. These books include color images and even QR codes that link to audio recordings, offering an immersive way to capture and revisit memories.
The Moth’s How to Tell a Story
This book is a literal how-to guide on storytelling. It also includes questions especially suited for conversations with older folks who (undoubtedly) have some rich stories to tell.
A few prompts include:
• What’s a story everyone tells about you?
• What’s the greatest challenge you’ve overcome?
• If you could re-live one day of your life, what day would it be?
The Moth Presents: A Game of Storytelling.
An interactive card deck that uses true stories to encourage conversation and spark creativity. It’s a wonderful addition to family gatherings or holiday parties; it also makes a thoughtful host gift.
