Story ‘Use’ Expansion Hack: Multiply The Uses From 1 Single Story
Five years ago, at my first MOTH GrandSLAM event, I learnt something really important about the art of storytelling.
Something to multiply the uses from one single story.
But hold on. Before I share more details about what this is and where I learnt it, I need to back up for a second.
Cause I realise not all of you will know what a MOTH event even is.
So let me explain that first.
A MOTH StorySLAM is an event held (in person, once a month) where 10 people from the audience share a 5min story on a certain theme, up on stage. e.g. The theme might be ‘Ego’ or ‘Crossroads’.
Note the story must be a true, personal story and the story is shared up on stage (and you’re not allowed notes).
Ok, so each people get up and share their story. Then the audience (well it’s actually designated groups from within the audience) vote on the story they feel was most impressive.
Which means there’s an assigned ‘winner’ each month.
Then once a year, there’s a MOTH GrandSLAM, where the 10 contestants who won their respective StorySLAM face off against eachother!
Now that you have that context, let’s get back to my story.
The theme of this GrandSLAM I attended back in 2019 was ‘Tipping Point’.
So all stories told had to somehow align to that chosen topic.
As the storytellers all took to the stage, it’s safe to say the stories were all superb.
They were such an interesting array of different encounters over the contestant’s lives. Some were sad, some were funny and some deeply personal.
However, I started to notice something fascinating.
As I’d been to some of the various StorySLAMs throughout that year, I’d already seen some of the storytellers before.
To be honest, I was fully expecting them to share a different story, given it was a new ‘theme’.
But that’s not what happened. No.
A lot of them RE-USED their stories!
Those other events had a different theme, but they artfully found a way to ensure it aligned to this new one.
I was really happy with this!!!
Why?
>>> This means = 1 story really can have multiple points.
You simply need to tell it with this new point in mind. Which means you edit certain bits out and focus more on other aspects.
This is important because it MULTIPLIES the ways you can use any story.
IN SUMMARY
If you have one interesting experience, i.e. something story-worthy, don’t simply tell it from ONE angle.
Multiply its uses by identifying SEVERAL lessons!
They may be similar, or they may actually be vastly different. As one experience really can have multiple lessons. You just have to look at it from different perspectives.
Q – Can you see how powerful this can be?
Emily
P.S. Like to delve into the art of storytelling even more? Did you know I run a Live 9-Week Group Coaching Program called The Captivating Storyteller which starts in August? Get on the WaitList here to be the first to know when doors open (and claim a discounted price).
Hey, I’m Emily Edgeley, a Public Speaking Coach for the Tech industry. Since 2017 I’ve transformed the lives of thousands, by helping them to communicate with more power. I’ve run 300+ group coaching sessions, coached more than 250 people privately, and helped more than 100+ others give their first ever Conf talk.
I’m on a mission to help people in Tech communicate with clarity, impact, and confidence. To boost your brand, career and industry influence.
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