Tell Good Stories

The Power of Stories

Stories have a powerful impact on how we perceive things.

Imagine you see two identical paintings.

If you learn one is an original from a famous artist and the other is a recent copy, the original will seem more valuable because of the story behind it.

Our brains value the context and story associated with objects and experiences.

Significant Objects Experiment

An experiment showed that adding a story to insignificant objects could dramatically increase their value.

Writers created stories for cheap trinkets, and these items were sold for much more than their original price.

This demonstrates that stories can add emotional value and make things more appealing.

Stories Enhance Your Work

Your work doesn't "speak for itself."

People want to know the story behind it — how it was made, who made it, and why it matters.

Sharing personal stories about your work helps people connect with it on a deeper level and increases its perceived value.

Structure of a Good Story

A good story has a clear structure: a beginning, middle, and end. It often involves a character facing a challenge and working through it to reach a resolution.

Understanding story structure helps you craft better narratives for your work.

Telling Your Own Story

When talking about your work, explain it in a way that's easy for anyone to understand.

Whether you're at a party or writing your bio, use simple and honest language.

Avoid jargon and keep it short and clear.

Empathy and Connection

Have empathy for your audience.

Tailor your story to their level of understanding and interest.

Be ready to answer questions and engage with them genuinely.

Writing Your Bio

When writing a bio, be concise and factual.

Avoid using exaggerated terms like "guru" or "ninja."

Just state who you are and what you do in a straightforward manner.

Actionable Insights

1. Add Stories to Your Work: Whenever you share your work, include a story about how it was created, what inspired it, and why it matters. This adds emotional value and helps people connect with your work.

2. Practice Storytelling: Learn the basics of story structure: a beginning, middle, and end. Use this structure to create compelling narratives about your projects and ideas.

3. Be Honest and Clear: When explaining what you do, use simple and honest language. Avoid jargon and complicated explanations. Make it easy for anyone to understand your work.

4. Empathize with Your Audience: Tailor your storytelling to your audience's interests and level of understanding. Be patient and ready to answer questions to help them connect with your work.

5. Write a Concise Bio: Create a short and factual bio that clearly states who you are and what you do. Avoid using over-the-top terms and keep it straightforward.

By incorporating these insights, you can enhance the way you share your work, making it more engaging and valuable to your audience.

Summary from Book: Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered