Recently, I wrote an article about why I don’t teach the Hero’s Journey; you can read it here. It got people talking. Not because people disagreed, but because people said they had a similar critique of the Hero’s Journey. In particular, as the default of what a story is in terms of point of view, form…
Category: Storytelling
Lo fi, No AI
When I teach storytelling, two letters are constantly popping up. A & I. Surprised? No, me either. Whether I am teaching pitching, values-based messaging or storytelling, I have to talk about using AI. Or, more specifically, how not to use AI in writing.
30 Days and Nights: Tales from a Storytelling Challenge
It began with a WhatsApp message from Arne, the creative genius behind the Future Skills Academy, a global learning community. He had an idea: “Let’s run a 30-day storytelling challenge.” It was a brilliant concept. I got to work, sketching out 30 days of prompts to help people tell a story each day. We launched…
Telling Sloppily Human Stories in an AI World
One of the greatest tragedies in the world is not getting what you want, and the other is getting it. I believe that was Oscar Wilde. Like most of his one-liners, it hits hard. It feels more true today than ever before in this rapid age of AI.
Empathy, Connection, and Storytelling: A Look Into My Influential Storytelling Workshop
When was the last time you heard a story that truly resonated with you? One that pulled you in, made you feel, and left a lasting impression? Crafting a powerful story is no accident—it's a skill that can be learned and refined. I focus on that in my 'Influential Storytelling' course, an online live training program I'm excited to be running in collaboration with the team at the Future Skills Academy.
Storytelling vs. a List of Things That Happened: There is a Difference
We've all been there. Someone says, "Let me tell you a story," you settle in, expecting something engaging. Then what you get is... well, a list of things that happened. While hearing about someone's day is excellent, let me clarify: a list of things that happened is not a story.
Stop the Fatigue: Benefits-Based Messaging in Internal Communication
It is midway through 2024, and we are all tired. The rate of change, pressures on our time, and world events have exhausted us. Business news is just coverage of AI, with little room for creativity or new ways of thinking about how we work or would like to work. According to a New Yorker…
Strategic Future Narrative: Connecting Past, Present, and Future Goals
Organisations seek to innovate, adapt, and envision new futures in our fast-paced business landscape. Effective communication of these future visions can feel daunting in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations. While communication departments are adept at crafting engaging messages and disseminating information, they can face significant hurdles when envisioning a future that has yet…
Audience First: Where Acting, Storytelling, and Leadership Play Supporting Roles
I was sitting in a row of red theatre chairs at the Producers Club in Times Square. I had just finished two weeks of acting training in NYC, and we were reflecting on all we had been through as a class. The Miesner trainer leaned forward from his seat on the stage and asked, "Do…
