Learn Speak Teach Episode 19 with Erin Barker of The Storycollider.

Storytelling is an art form that empowers people to feel empathy, learn, and be entertained.

This episode with Erin Barker will cover some helpful tips on how to master the art of storytelling.

Erin Barker is the executive director and a founding board member of The Story Collider. This international storytelling organization produces an internationally renowned podcast and more than 60 live events every year featuring true, personal science stories to show that science is a vibrant part of all our lives.

She is the first woman to win The Moth’s GrandSLAM storytelling competition twice as a storyteller. She has appeared on PRX’s The Moth Radio Hour, and one of her stories was included in the New York Times bestselling book The Moth: 50 True Stories.

During this episode, you will learn about the following;

[00:01] Pre-show

[02:37] Meet our guest, Erin Barker

[04:02] Blending of Science and Storytelling

[07:07] How our daily activities tell stories

[07:40] Elements of a good story

[11:11] The microscopic level of an individual scene in the story structure

[13:39] Common storytelling mistakes to avoid

[16:17] What is the meaning of a ‘Dramatic Question’ in storytelling

[17:59] The best way to end a story

[20:30] How to overcome stage fright when storytelling or public speaking

[24:43] Is there a right or wrong time to tell a story?

[26:34] The Story Collider

[28:36] How to connect with Erin and join a storytelling workshop

[29:07] Rapid Fire Round

[33:43] How else to connect with Erin

Notable Quotes

~ “One of the most important roles a leader can have is to tell stories. Stories both teach and inspire other people. They give others the possibility of seeing things in a different light or perspective..”

~ “Being able to listen to a compelling story and embrace what it has to say is the best way you can start changing your life. It encourages new ideas and opportunities that may have been intimidating or overwhelming before.”

~ “Overcoming your fears and embracing your natural gifts are the best ways to overcome stage fright during public speaking.”

~ “When you want to get yourself out to an audience with your message, it’s important that you tailor the timing of your speech. When it’s a great time, it can enhance its powerful effect. When it’s not though, well… just read the following phrase: a bad story at the wrong time is a terrible story.”