Never tell a boring story again: 4, 6 & 7 will help you level up!

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Telling a compelling personal story is an art. But not the abstract kinds which is hard for anyone else to do. There’s a process to it and it mostly works. In this piece, I’ll talk about how you can make your stories not boring. This guide is inspired by one of my favorite storytellers Mathew Dicks.

1. Reflect change over time

• A great story shows evolution—how you or your circumstances have changed over time. Start with a version of yourself or your situation that is different from where you end.

• Change is the heart of storytelling. It gives your narrative a dynamic arc and keeps your audience engaged. Without change, there’s no journey; without a journey, there’s no story.

2. Keep It Real: Make It Your Own Story

• Your story should be personal and genuine. It must come from your own experiences and not from someone else’s life.

• Authenticity builds trust and relatability. When you tell your own story, you create a unique connection with your audience.

3. Pass the Dinner Test

• Ask yourself if the story you’re telling is something you would share over dinner with friends or family.

• This will make sure your story is engaging, relatable, and appropriate for your audience. A good dinner story is concise, interesting, and easy to follow.

4. Include Universal Themes

• Incorporate themes that resonate broadly, like love, loss, triumph, or fear. While your story is personal, the emotions and experiences should be universally relatable.

• Universal themes allow your audience to see themselves in your story, making your journey feel relevant to them.

5. Create a Strong Narrative Structure

• Use a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end.

• The beginning of your story should start with a version of yourself or a situation that is the opposite of where you end.

• If your story is about gaining confidence, start with a moment of doubt or insecurity. If it’s about success, begin with a struggle or failure.

• This contrast highlights the change and gives your story a compelling arc.

6. Be Vulnerable

• Don’t shy away from sharing your fears, failures, or doubts. Vulnerability makes your story human and relatable.

• Audiences connect more deeply with stories that show the storyteller’s humanity. Vulnerability invites empathy and makes your success or resolution more impactful.

7. Use specific details

• Include specific details that paint a vivid picture in the minds of your listeners. Mention places, names, and moments that matter.

• Specifics make your story more memorable and engaging. They help the audience visualize your experience and feel like they’re part of your journey.

8. Keep it concise

• Be concise and to the point. Every part of your story should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.

• A concise story respects your audience’s time and keeps them engaged from start to finish. It ensures that your message is clear and impactful.

9. Practice and refine

• Practice telling your story multiple times. Each time, refine your delivery, timing, and the way you connect with your audience.

• Practice helps you become more confident and natural in your storytelling. It also allows you to fine-tune your story to make it more compelling.