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Who doesn’t want to tell better stories? I know I do. I’m always looking for new secrets. In my years of studying the masters I have gained amazing insights. As far as story telling is concerned no lesson has been more helpful than this one.

Whether you are telling a simple story to a friend or a more formal story from the platform the principles are the same. During my Speakers School and Champ Camps I usually dissect a simple story from my speech: “Ouch!” If you have never seen it or would like a refresher to see my point, click here. (The story is at 5:24 mark.)

It is one of my signature stories where I go home to tell my parents I want to become a comedian. It is a simple and yet powerful 17-second story. I worked painstakingly to hone that story down to that be that concise. How could I have done it with faster and with less effort? Simple. If I just realized where the true power of a story lies. Here is a powerful tool for you. Look at your stories and lay out this simple diagram. First list the characters in your story. In my story there are three characters.

My story diagram would look like:

Darren’s “Storytelling Secret” Diagram

Characters	Beginning Emotion	Ending Emotion
Mom
Dad
Darren

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This will only take a few moments and a little thought, but it will help your storytelling immeasurably. Next identify the beginning emotion of your characters and the ending emotion of each character. During my programs I have my students call out the emotions. Though the answers vary, the typical answers I get look like this.

Darren’s “Storytelling Secret” Diagram

Characters	Beginning Emotion	Ending Emotion
Mom	Anticipation	Shocked
Dad	Anticipation	Shocked
Darren	Excited	Devastated

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What do you notice about this diagram? There should be one thing that may look obvious, but most presenters never consider in their storytelling. The change of emotion of the characters. In this story each of the emotion changes. Keep in mind it is only a seventeen second story!

Darren’s “Storytelling Secret” Diagram

Characters	Beginning Emotion	Ending Emotion
Mom	Anticipation (changed)	Shocked
Dad	Anticipation (changed)	Shocked
Darren	Excited (changed)	Devastated

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The emotion of every character does not have to change. Remember this though, “If the emotion of at least one character does not change, there is no story!”

I challenge you to sit down and watch a video of yourself telling one of your best stories. Watch it with the sound off, and ask yourself, “Can I see the emotion of the character?” Even more importantly, “Can I clearly see the change of emotion?” Sitting down to identify emotions and the change of emotions will go a long way to helping you tell better stories. If you are a Toastmaster, why not have someone evaluate you on exactly that?

The power of the story is in the change. Look at Hollywood blockbusters. At the beginning of the film we are introduced to the main character and his/her flaws. By the conclusion of the movie there has been a dramatic change. Most of the time the value or presentations lies in the change of perspective we give our audience members.

If you want to tell better stories, take a few moments to identify the emotions of your characters and especially the change of emotion. Then make sure your audience can see it and more importantly feel it. Will you use it? Can you see where this would change how you tell your stories?

Share your comments here on my blog.

Stage time,

Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

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P.S. If you liked this article, you’ll love the “Become a Speaking STAR!” program. The insight from this article comes from my session, “Make ‘em Memorable! Storytelling Secrets Most Speakers Overlook.” Plus, you’ll get wisdom from Patricia Fripp, Content Creation from Craig Valentine, 3-D Storytelling from Mark Brown, and Ed Tate‘s techniques for Overcoming the Little Voices in Your Head! One-Time Intro Special ends TONIGHT! December 31st! Click here!

P.P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Posted on Facebook . . .

I just wanted to say that your Speaker School boot camp was one of the most valuable boot camps I have ever been to. Your tips and techniques INSTANTLY transformed my speeches. I feel I can move forward again. THANK YOU SO MUCH for adding value to my life. You will see me at future events for sure!

Eric Castaneda

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