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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices