Comedy Mothership

There are 2 days left to check out Storytelling: Zero to One before it disappears Sunday night. If you’re interested in joining 170+ storytellers, here’s a quick excerpt from Act 3 (Drafting):

Three months ago, I went to a $15 open mic in Austin. 

Dude gets on stage. The crowd goes bonkers. It's Shane Gillis, one of the most popular comedians in the world.

He pulls out a notebook and a pen, grabs the mic, and starts telling jokes.

When the crowd gives one of those loud, genuine laughs, he jots down a note. When the crowd looks at each other, confused, he jots down a note. When the crowd stares at him, expecting more, he jots down a note. When the crowd gives that knowing chuckle, he jots down a note.

You get the idea. He's testing jokes. Making a note of what's connecting and, even more importantly, what's not.

Then, I imagine, he cuts or changes the parts that don't connect. Tests them again at another open mic. And repeats the process until the joke, his story, is tight and compelling throughout. 

He made me realize:

This is how you can treat Storytelling, too.

Your story is flexible. You can constantly test, get feedback, improve, repeat. Like Shane, what you're looking for is moments of connection:

• Your boss starts nodding along.

• Someone leans forward in their chair.

• There's a spark of interest in your partner's eye.

You get the idea. You're searching for that visceral reaction in your audience.

When you see it, double down. Iterate until you get there.

Stories are leverage for ideas. And the better the story, the longer the lever.

If I just said "Stories are iterative" that'd mean nothing to anybody. In fact, I told my wife this and she looked at me like I was crazy. But by wrapping the idea in this story, I show you what I mean (instead of telling you).  

From my brain to yours with the help of a story.

And, if this idea resonates with you, it’s a tiny part of Act 3 (Drafting) in my newly-released course Storytelling: Zero to One.

It’s stuffed with examples, exercises, and practical “micro chapters” like this to elevate your ideas and influence through storytelling.

The course disappears Sunday evening at Midnight Pacific time. That way, I can focus on making sure the first users have an awesome experience. It won’t be back for at least a few months.

If you’re curious, come join 170+ storytellers here.

Keep writing,

Nathan

If you’re currently not interested in SZO, but want to keep getting World Builders, just click here. Thanks for allowing me into your inbox this week.