Marsha Shandur: How To Craft Compelling Stories From A Master Storyteller

On this episode of Become More Compelling Radio, I am super excited to have the delightful Marsha Shandur (@YesYesMarsha) of yesyesmarsha.com.

What makes Marsha delightful? Well for starters, she can tell captivating stories. (Watch the youtube video below for a hilariously terrifying story about SNAKES)

Marsha is a phenomenal storytelling and networking coach, and the official storytelling coach at Portland's World Domination Summit.

She has been featured on the BBC, Forbes, The Art of Charm and The Muse.

In this conversation we talk about how to craft compelling stories, as well as how to avoid common storytelling mistakes. 

If you've ever felt like you can't tell a good story, or people's eye glaze over while you're talking, in this podcast you'll learn:

• The #1 thing to focus on while telling stories. Hint: Tom Cruise (11:20)

• How to edit your stories down, but still keep the essence alive (17:30)

• How to deal with the “spotlight" of storytelling (42:15)

Be sure to check out the secret page Marsha created for BMC readers. (With a secret weapon to help you remember ANYONE'S name) 

Listening Options

• Click Here to listen via iTunes.
• Stream by clicking here.
• To download and listen later: right click here and choose "save as".

Show Notes & Links

03:30- Why it’s important to have a few good stories in your Batman utility belt (with science!)
08:25- The Detail Paradox: How much detail should you include in your stories?
11:20- The #1 thing to focus on while telling stories. Hint: Tom Cruise
14:20- How to make your audience feel what it's like being you
17:30- How to edit your stories down, but still keep the essence alive
21:30- Use your voice to show instead of tell
23:20- Embracing the silence
25:43- Marsha talks about realizing that she doesn’t have to carry 100% of the conversation 100% of the time
29:20- How to avoid common pitfalls when telling stories
34:20- Marsha's book: Off The Mic: The World's Best Stand-Up Comedians Get Serious About Comedy
34:20- Hannibal Buress’ method for re-engaging his audience
36:00- Listen to other people’s stories: The Moth, True Stories Told Live Toronto
37:15- Comedian with Jerry Seinfeld
38:20- Where do I find these stories?!
39:40- Why you should avoid spoilers in your stories
42:15- How to deal with the “spotlight" of storytelling
58:09- Marsha’s secret page for BMC readers. (With a secret weapon that will help you remember ANYONE'S name)
59:40- Book mentioned: Give and Take by Adam Grant
59:40- Jeff’s free guide: Fantastic First Impressions: The Four Steps To Stand Out And Be Memorable 

If you want an example of Marsha in action, watch her hilariously terrifying snake story:

Action Step: Let's Kickstart Your Story...

Think of one story from your life, and think about how you might start that story in a compelling way. The best story introductions create an information gap in the audience's heads.

Remember Marsha's framework:

• Starting with an action scene.
• What did it look like, and how did you feel?

Comment below with the opening sentence from your story.

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