It's 2014. As the year draws to a close, all of my friends come up with their New Year’s resolutions, ranging from dropping bad habits to losing weight. But while I create my list of resolutions on the eve of the new year, I realize it isn’t going to work.

Sure, I write them out every year with the best intentions in mind, but I forget some of them by February and even blow by others in January. At the end of the year, when reflecting back, it’s the goals I haven’t reached that make me feel like I’m failing.

Walking on the beach that morning with my matcha latte, I wonder, “What if there were a new way to set intentions for the year ahead? What if those intentions actually made a significant difference in our lives?” 

Then it hits me. Instead of doing the usual thing, I’m going to give the upcoming year a short, memorable, spicy name. I’m going to name my year based on who I want to become, not who I am today. 

No more lists, no more forgetting, no more failing. I will live into what I’ve named my year with every decision I make and every action I take.

What happens as a result? Everything. Outcomes change based on what I name my year, and it has such a profound effect on me that I start teaching others to do it and have incredible transformations of their own.

Now it’s your turn! In this short but very special episode, I talk about changing your year (and your life) with one, simple word or phrase and demonstrate why it works better than your typical New Year’s resolution.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to create a new story of yourself and your life by naming your year
• Why you shouldn’t keep this new story of yours a secret from others
• How to check in daily to ensure your story stays on track throughout the year

A little about me:

Hi there. I’m Kymberlee.

As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I’ve seen what works when influencing change and what doesn’t. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That’s why I’m building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people’s lives.

Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You’ll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same.

If you think business owners can’t tell stories or don’t have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There’s no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value.

Now it’s your turn... If you’re ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you’ve come to the right place.

Links and Resources:

• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I’m in a high-stakes game throwing pitch after pitch after pitch for the University of Hawaii. I feel the ball roll off of my fingers in a perfect spin towards the catcher’s mitt. Then, I notice a sharp, burning pain in my finger, glance down, and see that I’ve worn a hole all the way down to the bone!

The coaches grab me and take me over to the athletic trainer. Wasting no time, they inject my finger with shots of corticosteroid. It numbs everything to the point where I can’t even feel my fingers.

So I go back on the field and keep pitching like nothing’s wrong. At the time, I’m thinking that this is just what it takes to be tough. Yet, looking back on it years later, was that really the best solution: to mask the pain and toss me back out there?

There was probably a better way to do things, which is not just true in sports but in business as well. How often do entrepreneurs and CEOs mask burnout, overwhelm, and inefficiency instead of getting to the root of what’s really going on?

My special guest Dr. Jeremy Bettle has seen this phenomenon in sports and spent years developing systems to help high-performance athletes achieve world-class results and experience true vitality. Now, he's expanding these principles to everyone!

In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll discover the link between an optimal health story full of vitality and lifestyle choices. Dr. Bettle will challenge the narrative of what we think health is and answer questions like:

How can you use your imagination to help you obtain a more optimal health story? What are the real health factors that indicate a long life story? And what’s an example of a success story that illustrates the transformative power of targeted training and mindset shifts?

What you will learn in this episode:

• How the story of athletic training parallels the non-athletic world
• Why the biohacking trend is a distraction from the real health story 
• How sleep impacts your brain (and, by extension, your entire body’s narrative)

Who is Jeremy?

Dr. Jeremy Bettle holds a PhD in Human Performance and is an internationally recognized expert in the field with nearly 20 years at the forefront of high-performance sports. Renowned as an innovator and disruptor, Jeremy developed world-class systems for athlete care and optimization that set new industry standards. Jeremy and his wife Michelle founded Vitality Collective in January 2024, where he now brings these cutting-edge principles to the broader field of longevity, helping individuals leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of optimal health and vitality.  

Links and Resources

• Vitality Collective
• @vitalitycollectivemontecito on Instagram
• Vitality Collective on LinkedIn
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I’m in my martial arts class where we’re deep into advanced weapons training. On this day, our Grandmaster tells us that we’re going to have a special guest instructor join us. I’m thinking, “I’ve got the basics down with my knife. I’ve practiced them and know the foundation, so is this really going to be that different?”

Then Grandmaster Yarrow walks in and starts his workshop. Within minutes, he’s showing us knife techniques that I’ve never considered and didn’t even know were possible! Suddenly, everything I thought I knew about knife work feels limited.

A tension arises as I watch him demonstrate these unfamiliar techniques. Part of me wants to dismiss what I’m seeing, yet another part of me is intrigued and, to be honest, a little uncomfortable. Doubtful thoughts start to creep in. “Have I been doing this wrong all along? What if there’s much more I don’t know?”

This tug of war is happening inside me when something clicks. I start to realize that Grandmaster Yarrow is showing me a whole new world of possibilities. The real value isn’t just in the techniques he’s teaching us; it’s also in the reminder to keep an open mind and not limit your possibilities.

Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come in those moments when you’re willing to explore something new, maybe even something risky you’ve never tried before, and step outside of your usual way of doing things to discover hidden gifts and insights.

Similarly to those like Grandmaster Yarrow, my special guest today Lisa Franz has built a career helping people see new possibilities, insights, and stories from an external and internal perspective. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about finding freedom and personal transformation by embracing discomfort, breaking through limiting beliefs, and making mindful choices with food to increase self-awareness of your internal stories about eating and fitness. Lisa will also touch on the significance personal stories in connecting with others, as well as answer questions like:

How are transitions in certain areas like an unfolding of your life story? How can you break through internal stories about food and fitness that no longer serve you? And why do personal stories make relationships between coaches and clients more effective?

What you will learn in this episode:

• How finding freedom in food choices can help you shape your lifestyle story
• How your transformation can inspire others to change their story, too
• How slowing down can help take your internal food story to the next level

Who is Lisa?

Lisa Franz has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Nutrition. She is the owner and head coach at Nutrition Coaching and Life and host of the Nutrition and Life Podcast. After struggling through various diets herself, she learned about evidence-based ways to change weight and body composition and has been fascinated with nutrition and building muscle ever since.

As a digital nomad (originally from Germany, currently residing in Colombia) and someone who loves to travel and explore (51 countries and counting), Lisa feels like the right knowledge when it comes to nutrition and training has provided her with strategies that allow her to live a life she enjoys in a body she loves. She aims to show and teach others that the same is possible for them, guiding them away from frustration about food and their bodies towards experiencing joy and contentment.

Links and Resources:

• Nutrition Coaching and Life
• Nutrition and Life Podcast
• @nutritioncoachingandlife on Instagram
• @nutritioncoachingandlife on YouTube
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

A few years ago, I’m coaching a speaker for her first big keynote. We rehearse endlessly, tweaking every word and gesture. On the day of the event, I’m sitting in the audience feeling a mix of pride and nervousness for her.

She walks onto the stage confidently. Just as she starts her opening story, the microphone cuts out, and the room goes silent. All you can hear is the awkward shuffle of the tech team rushing around to fix it.

She freezes for a second, and I can see the panic in her eyes. She glances at me, and I give her a small nod; that’s our code for, “You’ve got this.”

After taking a deep breath, she raises her voice and speaks to the room. Without a working mic, she owns the silence and wins back the audience with confidence and a bit of humor.

The tech team gets the mic working halfway through her presentation, yet by this point, she already has the room in the palm of her hand. She ends her keynote and receives a standing ovation.

You don’t have to be flawless to be a great speaker. It’s how you handle the unexpected that makes you memorable which is a storytelling lesson everyone can learn.

In this installment of the “Storytelling 7 Series” on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn how to find stories like these hiding out in the open. I’ll also answer questions like:

What do the biggest speeches, most viral videos, and most shared social media posts have in common? And where are stories hiding and waiting to be told?

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why small, ordinary stories matter so much
• What questions to ask yourself to help uncover hidden stories
• What to do once you’ve found one story in plain sight to tell

A little about me:

Hi there. I’m Kymberlee.

As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I’ve seen what works when influencing change and what doesn’t. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That’s why I’m building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people’s lives.

Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You’ll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same.

If you think business owners can’t tell stories or don’t have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There’s no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value.

Now it’s your turn... If you’re ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you’ve come to the right place.

Links and Resources:

• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I’m on the East Coast about to speak at a corporate event filled with tech leaders of a very large company. As I’m backstage, the CEO comes up to me and says, “Remember Kymberlee, these are incredible people who are amazing at what they do, yet they aren’t really bought into the idea of storytelling in the business environment.”

With that, I’m introduced and take the stage. After the applause dies down, I can tell the mood in the room is quite serious. So I have everyone stand up and start an icebreaker exercise.

That’s when I hear the first person laugh. And then the next, and the next, and pretty soon the whole room is laughing, connecting, and having fun. The energy in the room has shifted.

At the end of the session, I ask them what some of their most memorable moments from the day are. Without skipping a beat, they pointed out the laughter during the icebreaker changed their internal story.

We know that laughter does a body and a brain good. Jason Love spreads that joy everywhere he goes. He’s a nationally touring standup comedian who has appeared on TV in a few places you may have heard of, like Comedy Central and HBO. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear his insights on connecting with diverse audiences in storytelling through devices like humor and lessons we can learn from comedic storytellers, as well as get answers to questions like:

How can you begin testing new material for a story, Talk, or performance? Why are people drawn to comedic storytellers like Dave Chappelle and Martin Lawrence? And what’s it like to navigate in the world currently as a comedic storyteller or performer?

What you will learn in this episode:

• What attitude you can take with you anytime you perform or tell a story
• How you can adapt your story or Talk to diverse audiences
• How you can be completely present before a story or Talk

Who is Jason?

Jason Love is a nationally touring headliner who has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and Dry Bar Comedy. His clips are played daily on Sirius XM, and he is a crowd favorite on cruise ships. L.A. Weekly named him “one of the top ten comics to watch.” His non-profit, Love & Laughter, brings free shows to the cancer support community, and he’s represented by Levity Entertainment and 800 Pound Gorilla.

Links and Resources

• Jason Love
• @jasonlovecomedy on Instagram
• @jasonlovecomedy on TikTok
• @jasonlovecomedy on Facebook
• Craig Shoemaker
• The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut 
• Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It’s the early 2000s, and I’m between sessions at the TEDx conference. As I go to grab a coffee, I notice this crowd forming nearby. Naturally curious, I wander over there to see what the fuss is about.

In the middle of this crowd is a guy with a deck of cards doing a magic trick. But it’s not just the trick itself that’s amazing; it’s the effect it’s having on everyone around him. None of us can take our eyes off of him. It’s like we’re collectively holding our breath being caught in the moment as he performs trick after trick after trick.

Like everyone else around me, I’m completely captivated, marveling at what’s happening. “How does he do this?” I think to myself. I don’t know how one person with just a deck of cards can make an entire group of strangers feel so connected, so in awe together.

I realize at this point that it’s not all about the magic. It’s like this magician has created a shared experience of wonder for all of us and telling a story without even saying a single word.

He wraps up the show, the crowd disperses, and I go stand in line to get my coffee still buzzing from the experience. I turn to my husband Mark and ask, “Who is that guy?” Mark smiles and says, “That’s David Blaine.”

Wow, I was completely unaware that I’d been watching one of the most famous magicians in the world! Yet what sticks with me, even all these years later, isn’t just who he is; it’s that unforgettable feeling of awe he created for everyone in that moment.

So many magicians have that same capacity to captivate their audience. Rick Gerber is a professional magician who has been spending his entire life performing in multiple countries and every state in the U.S. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about how thinking like a magician can help you discover creative solutions that’ll create astonishing stories that linger in people’s minds. You’ll also get answers to questions such as:

In what ways can you creatively engage with your audience to enhance the storytelling experience? How can you get into the flow state as you perform your Talk or story? And how can embracing the unexpected lead to surprising discoveries that create unforgettable stories for your audience?

What you will learn in this episode:

• How closely observing your audience for clues benefits your storytelling
• How you can captivate your audience with a shared experience at the very beginning
• Why you need to know your audience to set the right tone from the start

Who is Rick?

For over 40 years, Rick Gerber has been traveling the world creating laughter and gasps of astonishment at high-profile special events, trade shows, and as the headliner aboard some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships. He has performed his incredible magic in all fifty states and over forty-five countries. Presidents, kings, and megastars in movies, TV, and music have witnessed firsthand his ability to distort reality before their watchful eyes.

Rick became the youngest performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at 10 years old. At age 21, he was put under contract with Budweiser and performed for them full-time at trade shows and special VIP events around the globe for decades. Most recently, he was elected by his magician peers to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts--home at the World-Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.

Today, Rick’s Fortune 500 clients read like a Who’s Who of the corporate world--Monster Energy, T-Mobile, GE, Acura, DIRECTV, Coca-Cola, Dell Technologies, Nestlé, and hundreds of smaller businesses as well. Whether it's attracting crowds and gathering leads at trade shows, performing at special events, mingling in VIP hospitality suites, producing magic-themed events, or performing his stage show at corporate sales meetings for hundreds or thousands of attendees, companies can always count on him to deliver.

Links and Resources

• Rick Gerber
• @rickgerbermagic on LinkedIn
• @rickgerbermagic on Instagram
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I’m helping my client Barbara get ready for one of the biggest Talks of her career. She’s preparing to stand on stage in front of thousands of people (with even more watching live online). 

She shares her draft with me. It’s meticulous and packed with very specific, insightful information. Yet, there’s no sense of urgency or consequence. It’s just data, so I don’t feel anything.

I point this out to her gently, and I can sense her reluctance to dive deeper and reveal something personal, vulnerable even. However, I know her message won’t resonate with the audience if they can’t truly feel what’s on the line.

So I ask her, “Barbara, what’s at stake here? What will it mean for you, your team, or even your vision if this Talk goes well… or if it doesn’t?” She starts opening up and admits that this Talk is a critical moment for her in her business, leadership, and potentially her legacy.

That’s all I need to hear! With that information, I help her weave those stakes into her message through stories so that it gives the audience a reason to care and feel connected to her.

Fast forward to the moment when she steps up to the mic. The difference is undeniable! Not only does she deliver a polished speech; she’s sharing a story with everything on the line! I watch as the audience is drawn in, invested in her outcome, and hanging on every word… and all because she chose to add stakes.

In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of stakes in storytelling. I’ll dive into why stakes are the heartbeat of stories, three ways to categorize them, and how you can use them right away to transform your message. I’ll answer questions such as:

What is an example of a story with stakes versus one without? How can adding stakes bridge the gap between the story of the product or service you’re selling and the consumers you want to sell it to? And how do you add stakes to your story so that your audience feels a connection to you?

What you will learn in this episode:

• What stakes are in storytelling and why they matter
• How to identify and amplify stakes in your stories
• How to get others to care about your story’s outcome through stakes

A little about me:

Hi there. I’m Kymberlee.

As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I’ve seen what works when influencing change and what doesn’t. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That’s why I’m building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people’s lives.

Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You’ll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same.

If you think business owners can’t tell stories or don’t have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There’s no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value.

Now it’s your turn... If you’re ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you’ve come to the right place.

Links and Resources:

• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's time for my first theatrical performance. I've memorized my lines and have been rehearsing relentlessly. I am ready to go. 

As I'm standing backstage, I suddenly notice my leg is shaking. And then I feel sweat dripping down my back. Oh. And my breathing is really rapid. I think to myself, how can I possibly be this nervous? I've done all the work. I've prepared like crazy. I'm hitting all my cues. Why am I feeling this way?

And at that moment, I realize this is actually a familiar feeling. I felt this way as an athlete just before leaving the dugout to hit the softball mound. I felt this way as a speaker just before leaving the safety of my curtain backstage and stepping into the spotlight. This feeling that I'm feeling actually just means I care.

I want to do well. I wanna do well for the audience. And it's with this realization that I notice the shaking has actually stopped and my breathing is almost back to normal.

All of a sudden, the curtain opens and off I go. And that first performance becomes a huge success and sets me up on the path for many, many more theatrical experiences to follow. 

And speaking of theatrical experiences, my special guest today, Luis Moro, knows all about being on all different sides of the curtain. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how comedy can play a transformative role in our lives, why comedy isn’t just for entertainment, and much more. Luis will also answer questions like:

How can you make sure your audience walks away changed or uplifted? How can comedy be a tool for both personal empowerment and human connection? And why is it important to tailor your performances to meet your audience’s needs? 

What you will learn in this episode:

• The importance of versatility and how different roles within the theater (and life!) can enhance each other
• How authentic comedy can be a catalyst for personal change and empowerment
• The significance of adapting stories to connect with diverse audiences
• Why willingness to alter one's approach or story is crucial in any creative endeavor

Who is Luis? Luis Moro is a dynamic storyteller and comedian known for his multifaceted approach to the arts and life. He has embraced a diverse range of roles, from acting and writing to producing and performing, which has enriched his ability to connect with audiences across different platforms. He is particularly noted for his ability to infuse comedy with meaningful insights that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Luis believes in authenticity and self-reflection, believing in storytelling and its power to change and impact lives. Through his work, he aims to provoke thought and ignite transformation, using his comedic talents not just to entertain but to enlighten. Moreover, as a devoted father, Luis leverages his personal experiences to impart wisdom and raise awareness about the importance of one's word and personal integrity, both in everyday life and on stage.

Links and Resources

• Luis Moro
• @aluismoro on Instagram
• @LuisMoro on Facebook
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It’s the third night of a very intense survival training course with a Green Beret guy. I haven’t slept or showered. I’m muddy and exhausted and just want to go home to Santa Barbara. I tell myself I just need to make it through one more night and this will all be behind me.

When it’s time to call it a night, I am given a choice: I can either sleep in my tent or in this lean-to I’ve built. The lean-to is essentially a hole in the dirt with some twigs on it. At this moment, I’d love nothing more than to be at a resort, yet I remind myself I came to this insane training for a challenge.

So I say, “Fine. I’ll sleep in this lean-to.” I trek down the road around the bend and shimmy myself into this little hole in the dirt. I can’t even see the base camp anymore.

I can hear every sound around me as I lay there, and I realize that I’ve never been alone like this before. But hey, it’s fine! 

“I’m fine; in just hours, I can go home,” I think to myself.

Then, after slightly dozing off, I wake up to this crunching sound just off in the distance. It’s coming towards me, and I keep telling myself everything’s fine. Then the crunch gets louder and faster until, in the moonlight, I see it: the tusk of a wild boar!?!

I lie there, frozen and deciding whether or not to scream, when I remember something: animals sense fear. So I need to be strong, be still, be silent, and stick this out.

While it’s rooting around my head, something suddenly distracts it, and it runs off into the forest. And when morning arrives, I get out of the lean-to, go back to camp, and announce I survived. 

The Green Beret guy says, “Yeah. Good job Kymberlee.”

Here’s the deal: I am committed to affecting change in our world. With change comes challenges. With challenges comes fear. That means that different levels of fear are always coming up for me. What this unforgettable experience has taught me is that we must cultivate your courage. And when I think of courage, I can’t help but think of that Green Beret guy who has become a dear friend. His name is Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Scott is with us today in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast to discuss the transformative power of thematic stories of survival and courage and answer questions like:

What is the significance of storytelling leadership roles? What do personal stories that resonate with others have in common? And why is your delivery of a story as important as its content?

What you will learn in this episode:

• How storytelling can help you cultivate courage and de-escalate fear
• What kind of questions lead to powerful stories that can bridge divisions
• What three storytelling myths cause you to avoid telling your stories

Who is Scott?

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Peru, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership, where he shares the rapport-building and storytelling skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements.

Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan allies who navigated the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, to stages across the country to provide healing for our veterans and families of the fallen, as well as provide insight for our citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in our nation’s history.

Links and Resources

• Scott Mann
• Scott Mann’s Patreon
• @ScottManAuthor on Facebook
• @scottmannauthor on Instagram
• @davidscottmann on LinkedIn
• @TheScottMannChannel on YouTube
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I’m coaching multiple speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. During the kickoff meeting with one particular speaker, I ask him, “Okay, what’s your idea worth spreading?” He replies, “Kymberlee, that’s easy. I’m going to talk about the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.” 

I think, “Wait, what? If this is what you’re focusing on for your TEDx Talk, we definitely need to make 30-year fixed-rate mortgages interesting and shift the audience’s perspective because this isn’t a very sexy topic.” 

So I ask him, “All right. What’s your earliest memory related to money?” He tells me, “Well, when I was little, I used to go door-to-door selling acacia flowers. That’s when I first realized that people would exchange dollars for something they value.” 

I stop him right there and say, “That’s the story we need to tell. It’s how the audience will connect with you.” Once an audience cares about you, you’ve earned the right to teach them about what you care about.

So he delivers his TEDx Talk and opens with his acacia flower story. Last week, his Talk hit one million views! And perhaps many of those viewers’ perspectives on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have changed as a result.

Speaking of which, my guest Josh Lowman changes the public's point of view often and affects change with every organization and brand he works with. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of multiple story viewpoints, the price of admission in storytelling to create a deeper connection with your audience, and more. Josh will also answer questions such as:

How can you think about point-of-view in story in a different way? What effect does authentic vulnerability in storytelling have on a platform where that’s not typically expressed (like LinkedIn)? And why is change an essential element for stories?

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why switching point-of-view is a powerful tool in capturing your audience’s attention
• What admission price in storytelling is necessary to grow and resonate with an audience
• How you can become a much better writer and improve your storytelling sentence-by-sentence

Who is Josh?

Josh Lowman is the founder and CEO of Gold Front, a category design studio based in San Francisco, California. He has worked with more than 40 C-suite executives and teams to create new categories and market them to their customers. He believes that category design and creation provide the path for business owners and CEOs to cut through the noise and reach their audience.

Links and Resources:

• Gold Front
• @joshlowman on LinkedIn
• Storytelling School Website
• @storytellingschool on Instagram
• @storytellingSchool on Facebook