Reviews

How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth by Kate Tellers, Meg Bowles, Sarah Austin Jenness, Jenifer Hixson, Catherine Burns

rustproofbottom's review

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.75

I've been working on this one for a long time (it is 10+ hours on audiobook). And as it's not a "story" (ironically) so it needed to be taken in chunks. I also have the physical copy as a reference book as well. I love stories. I love people sharing their stories. It's the stories of our unique experiences that bind us all together. It's the suppression and erasure of people's stories that helps drive us apart. long being fascinated with trying to understand my own story and narrative (my therapist nodding his head somewhere and not knowing why) and thinking about how I share it with the world I thought no better resource to think about the craft than The Moth. This is a pretty thorough capture of their approach and I'm here for it. Sharing of our personal lived, real, felt experiences is one of the most sacred things we can do. This is more than a checklist manual. It talks about the WHY and the HOW of their philosophical approach. This creates so much room and permission for the storyteller to execute in a way that honors their unique individuality while also helping to make sure that the stories land how we want them too. It's a delicate balance that takes care and thought and intention. The authors explain all of that thoroughly. The hardcopy book is a good resource. The audiobook version you need to pay attention to as it is a how-to guide. But the way they produced it is awesome. So many of the Moth staff take turns reading sections so it is not monotonous. And even better - they use the actual clips & recordings of the story tellers telling their stories at their events when the book uses real world examples to illustrate the point it is making. If you know the Moth, you know there's probably going to be crying. Not sure I've ever cried reading a "how to" book before but, well here we are.  Defintiely not a light / fun read or for entertainment. Definitely educational. Definitely niche. 

kristenbritt's review against another edition

inspiring medium-paced

4.0

gmsp's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

A book that everyone can benefit from and feel connected through learning how important your own story can be.

kevinlarz's review

adventurous challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

A wonderful insight into The Moth. Many memorable and emotional stories shared between the steps one can take to tell their own impactful story of change.

mawalker1962's review

5.0

No matter how you tell stories—in your work presentations, in teaching, in preaching, on the stage or in the courtroom, you need this book. I especially recommend listening to the audiobook. You’ll get to hear dozens of Moth storytellers demonstrating the basic principles.

lxfstr's review

informative inspiring medium-paced

3.75

erwinlemueloliva's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

How to Tell a Story is a book by The Moth, a group of storytellers who have been captivating audiences with their true tales for over 25 years. The book is a guide to finding, crafting, and delivering your own stories, whether you want to make people laugh, cry, or think.

The book is full of tips and tricks from The Moth's directors and some of their famous storytellers, such as Mike Birbiglia, Rosanne Cash, Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Padma Lakshmi, and more. You'll learn how to mine your memories for your best stories, explore structures that will boost the impact of your story, deliver your stories with confidence, and tailor your stories for any occasion.

The book is also full of examples of stories from The Moth's live shows and podcasts, which range from hilarious to heartbreaking. You'll hear about a retired pickpocket who reveals his secrets, a rock star who confronts his past, an astronaut who faces a life-or-death situation, and many more.

How to Tell a Story is a fun and inspiring read for anyone who loves stories or wants to tell their own. It will help you connect with the world around you and unleash the power of story in your life. Whether you want to make it to The Moth stage, deliver the perfect wedding toast, ace a job interview, or simply entertain your friends, this book will show you how to do it with style and humor.

pammy_taylor's review against another edition

3.0

Fun to hear some compiled The Moth stories and the coaching and selection behind it, but a bit repetitive in its observations and directions. 

wesleyboy's review

4.0

Great guide on the art of story telling

kayla_can_read's review against another edition

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

Greatly informative and great at introducing the topic and group, gets a little repetitive and draggy towards the end but still a solid read