On this episode of The DEB Show podcast, host Debra Eckerling discusses the art and craft of storytelling with authors Rob Kutner, Richard Walter, and Orly Zeewy. Rob is a humor writer, whose titles include Snot Goblins & Other Tasteless Tales; Richard (The Whole Picture, Deadpan) is also a screenwriter, consultant, and educator; and Orly’s book is Ready, Launch, Brand: The Lean Marketing Guide for Startups. Rob, Richard, and Orly share their takes on storytelling – for fiction, non-fiction, and business – including story structure and standing out, as well as tips and anecdotes.
About Story
- Richard: Every story is a portrait of the creator; it’s not a window, it’s a mirror
- Rob: A story is a transfer of energy; transferring our experience to an audience’s mind
- Orly: Stories are a living, breathing thing. They evoke powerful emotions and insights. When creating the story around your business, the hero is the solution (the brand); the villain is what keeps your client up at night.
What Stops People from Telling Good Stories
- Richard: People write too much. They start before the beginning and end after the end
- Rob: There is a fear sometimes that people won’t get rid of an idea because they think they won’t come up with anything better. You find what works by figuring out what doesn’t work
- Orly: People have a tendency to try to talk to everyone. You want to tell a story that will be meaningful for the person who hears it
How to Develop Your Voice
- Orly: Be authentic and so memorable someone says: Where have you been all my life?
- Rob: Try as many genres and mediums as you can until you find the right fit
- Richard: Listen to your own voice and get out of your own way. Hear it and then economize. Everything the audience sees and hears has to have a purpose: to move the story forward
Goals
- Rob: Pick something you are doing with a storytelling component, and start with the ending/the feeling of the ending
- Orly: Identify the villain of your client’s story (what are they struggling with) and how you are helping them
- Richard: All story is about identity. Who am I? How do I know for sure? Paint a self portrait, find our more about yourself
Final Thoughts
- Orly: Ask a lot of questions, listen more than you speak, and when you don’t know your value, ask your clients why they work with you
- Rob: A story is bridge between your mind and your heart and other people. People would rather hear a story, rather, feel a story, that hear a fact
- Richard: What we – writers – do is crazy. Stop being so sensible and rational about it. Revel in the madness
Learn more about:
Rob Kutner: https://www.robkutner.com/
Richard Walter: https://richardwalter.com
Orly Zeewy: https://orlyzeewy.com
Debra Eckerling: https://TheDEBMethod.com
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