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tadzio dlugolecki's avatar

on a number of occasions, i've considered writing a piece synthesizing the best storytelling tips i've picked up along the way. after reading yours, i'm relieved i no longer need to write it. well done. also, boyd's the goat. have you listened to his original ep on invest like the best?

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Joe Hovde's avatar

thank you! I feel like i have only scratched the surface but glad you enjoyed.

And yes -- that is what introduced me to do it. He's awesome. I wanna go to londolozi someday

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tadzio dlugolecki's avatar

always wondered how londolozi was spelt. now i know. also, now i can see their google listing images. mamma mia!

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Joe Hovde's avatar

Whoa yeah…gotta make that podcast money…

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Bob Gilbreath's avatar

I’m happy that my nudge helped move you! There’s truly some great self-improvement in commitment to storytelling. First, your point on embracing whatever happens in life as a potential story (and learning) opportunity. Second, as we evolve and grow, we look back on our life stories differently. Watching your own change in narrative is proof of personal growth.

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James Nicholas's avatar

A couple thoughts:

Whether to tell a story and how to tell it.

If the story is about me, I would ask myself if it rings true and if I would be interested if someone told me the story about himself or herself.

Regarding how to tell stories in general, I think one can learn--perhaps consciously, perhaps just absorb--from great authors, maybe particularly short story writers. I suppose one general skill is editing--just long enough to make the point, not so long that the point is diluted or lost.

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Joe Hovde's avatar

What do you mean by “rings true?” Has some sort of universal element?

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James Nicholas's avatar

No, much simpler than that--only feeling honest in what I am saying about myself or my role in the story. I do think it quite appropriate to exaggerate for effect when the listener is participating in the play. But I think if one pretends to be serious and yet veers from the truth, it may be sensed at the moment or one's effect as a story-teller will diminish in time.

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Joe Hovde's avatar

That makes sense I like that and can recognize it in the stories you’ve told me 🙂

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