How to Tell Your Story (Even If You're Not a 'Storyteller')

There is a myth that “storytellers” are a special breed of people. We imagine them holding court at a dinner party, effortlessly weaving a tale while everyone leans in, captivated. We think they have a special gene that the rest of us lack.

But here’s the secret: Storytelling isn’t a talent. It’s a habit.

And it’s a habit you’ve already practiced your entire life. When you tell your partner about your weird day at work? That’s a story. When you explain to a friend why you’ll never eat tequila shrimp again? That’s a story.

You are already doing it. The only difference is now you’re going to hit “Record.”

If you’re freezing up at the sight of that red button, here is a simple framework to help you get started.

1. Start with “One Time…”

The hardest part is the first sentence. We get stuck trying to set the scene perfectly. “It was a dark and stormy night…”

Forget that. Just start like you’re talking to a friend.

• “One time, I…”
• “So, I was at this…”
• “I’ll never forget when…”

This immediately tricks your brain out of “performance mode” and into “conversation mode.”

2. The “And Then, But, Therefore” Method

If you’re worried about rambling, use this simple structure popularized by Randy Olson and famously used by the creators of South Park (who know a thing or two about keeping people entertained).

Most boring stories go: “This happened, and then this happened, and then this happened.” That’s just a list of events.

A good story has pivots.

Try this instead:

1. “This happened…” (Set the scene)
2. “BUT…” (Introduce the problem or the conflict)
3. “THEREFORE…” (How you dealt with it)

(Tip: You can use our Story Cue Cards to map out these beats before you hit record.)

Example:

• “I wanted to bake a cake for my mom’s birthday.” (The Setup)
• “BUT I realized I had used salt instead of sugar after it was already in the oven.” (The Conflict)
• “THEREFORE, we ended up eating gas station donuts and laughing until we cried.” (The Resolution)

3. Focus on How You Felt

Facts are boring. Feelings are universal.

Don’t just say, “The car broke down.” Say, “I felt that pit in my stomach when the engine sputtered, realizing I was alone on a dark road.”

Listeners might not care about your car engine, but they know exactly what fear and helplessness feel like. That’s where the connection happens.

4. Keep It Short

You don’t need to record a 30-minute epic. Some of the best stories on Naripod are 2 or 3 minutes long.

A single moment. A quick memory. A fleeting thought.

Low pressure. High impact.

5. Embrace the “Ums”

You are not a news anchor. You are a human being.

Real people say “um.” Real people pause to think. Real people laugh at their own jokes.

Don’t edit yourself. Those little imperfections are what make your voice sound like you. They make the listener feel like they’re sitting right next to you, not listening to a polished commercial.

Just Hit Record

The only way to fail at storytelling is to stay silent.

Your voice is unique. Your perspective is yours alone. And somewhere out there, someone needs to hear exactly what you have to say.

So, take a deep breath. Press the button. And just tell us what happened.