How Stories Happen

The elements of stronger messages & how to say what they can’t unhear, with Tamsen Webster, message designer


Listen Later

This episode, we do something a bit different. I’m joined by the brilliant messaging strategist and pioneer of the message design industry, Tamsen Webster! We fully nerd out on crafting messaging and the elements that help you create stronger speeches, better stories, and a more effective message for your entire platform. 


Tamsen in not only a leader in the field of message design, she’s also the author of two revolutionary books: Find Your Red Thread and Say What They Can’t Unhear. She’s been named to the Thinkers50 Radar, spent over 10 years as an Idea Strategist for TEDx events, and continues to be a sought-after speaker and consultant helping her clients design messages that create large-scale change.


Tamsen understands the mechanics and structure of how to motivate readers, audiences, and listeners toward action. In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty of her favorite tagline (and why), what Aristotle has to teach us about story, and why story is an argument (and how to win it). We also break down what it takes to create a powerful message by examining the beats of the argument you need to address, from the foundation to the framing to the finishing. Can you communicate to get buy-in?


Connect with Tamsen on her website, instagram, and Linkedin


Grab a copy of Tamsen’s books 


***


IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 


Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com


Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services


Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes


***


CONNECT:


Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky


This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins


Cover art designed by Blake Ink


***


ABOUT ME:


I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.


With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.


After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.


I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.


***


SUPPORT THE SHOW:


Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 


Leave a rating on Spotify 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

How Stories HappenBy Jay Acunzo

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

26 ratings


More shows like How Stories Happen

View all
The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast by Pat Flynn

The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

3,465 Listeners

Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza

Creative Pep Talk

1,964 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

8,326 Listeners

Why That Worked  – Presented by StoryBrand.ai by StoryBrand.ai

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai

1,933 Listeners

Unthinkable with Jay Acunzo by Jay Acunzo

Unthinkable with Jay Acunzo

152 Listeners

THE ED MYLETT SHOW by Ed Mylett | Cumulus Podcast Network

THE ED MYLETT SHOW

14,023 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,758 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,140 Listeners

Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin by Seth Godin

Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin

1,760 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,241 Listeners

Creator Science by Jay Clouse

Creator Science

455 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,166 Listeners

How to Be a Better Human by TED

How to Be a Better Human

1,394 Listeners

Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi by Ramit Sethi

Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi

3,295 Listeners

On with Kara Swisher by Vox Media

On with Kara Swisher

3,057 Listeners