EdX

The Craft of Storytelling (edX)

Offered by University of Alaska Fairbanks, AlaskaX,
The Craft of Storytelling (edX)

Tell captivating stories your audiences will love. This course reveals the insider secrets you can use to tell stories your audiences will love. Skillful storytelling is critical for captivating, educating, and influencing your audience. Telling great stories is not intuitive for most of us however, which is why so many people struggle with storytelling. You can quickly learn how to tell engaging and effective stories, using time-tested techniques, that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

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"The Craft of Storytelling" covers topics like:

  • Setting the scene
  • Building a dramatic arc
  • Empathizing with your audience
  • Eliminating rabbit trails
  • Locking the conflict
  • The "Ice Road Trucker" effect
  • Employing key delivery techniques

Taught in a fun and conversational way, "The Craft of Storytelling" draws from the instructor's experience telling stories in podcasts, radio, print, documentaries, at parties, and live on stage in front of hundreds of people. Learn to unlock the power of your stories and share them with the world.

What you'll learn
Skills and Knowledge Learners will acquire in this course:

  • Finding good stories
  • Targeting what audiences want in a story
  • Building the dramatic arc
  • Using The “Ice Road Trucker” effect
  • Designing story structures
  • Locking the conflict
  • Establishing key elements
  • Eliminating rabbit trails
  • Strategizing delivery
  • Ending your story

Syllabus

Module One: Introduction to Storytelling

  • What Audiences Want in a Story
  • What Events Make for a Good Story?
  • Finding Stories

Module Two: Building Your Story

  • The Dramatic Arc
  • Structural Models
  • Establishing Key Elements
  • Ending Your Story

Module Three: Delivery

  • Change everything you’re doing
  • Emphasizing key moments
  • Learning from other Storytellers
  • Dealing with Stage Fright

Module Four: Addressing Common Issues

  • What Makes for a Bad Story
  • Fundamental principles of Stories
  • Becoming a Great storyteller
Go to Class
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