Publisher's Synopsis
Over the past twenty-five years, the artistic team at The Moth has coached people from all walks of life-from A-list rock stars, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, and astronauts to high school students, dental hygienists, and a retired pickpocket-to tell their true, personal stories onstage in front of live audiences around the world. Now, with How to Tell a Story, you will learn how you can uncover and craft your own amazing stories, like Moth storytellers such as Amanda Gorman, Adam Gopnik, Ophira Eisenberg, and more. Whether your goal is to make the perfect wedding toast, wow clients at business dinner, tell a moving eulogy, or be a hit at parties, the Moth staff will explain the principles of good stories and teach you the secrets of their time-honed process, including: Look for the ouch: Extraordinary accomplishments are a setting for your story, but not the story. What most connects us are our mistakes. Avoid too many vases on the mantle: If you try to cover too much ground, your story will become a list of things that are all given the same emphasis. Long lists, without much detail, are boring. Tell stories from your scars, not from your wounds: Telling stories based on recent events, without the perspective that time allows for, can be emotionally and practically challenging. However, these skills aren't just about being a better public speaker. The Moth team will transform how you communicate with people in all aspects of your life, teaching you how to present your most authentic self to the world and forge deep and lasting connections with coworkers, clients, friends, and family.
