The Craft of Storytelling from edX

This self-paced online storytelling course reveals the secrets behind the powerful tool that is storytelling. This four-week learning experience will equip you to tell stories your audiences will love. The power of storytelling is critical for captivating, educating, and influencing your audience whether in public speaking, social media, creative writing, or everyday real-life situations.

Telling great stories is not intuitive for most of us however, which is why so many people struggle with good storytelling. You can quickly unlock the art of storytelling and learn how to tell your own stories, including your personal story, using time-tested techniques that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

"The Craft of Storytelling" dives into storytelling tips such as:

Setting the scene
Building a dramatic arc
Empathizing with your audience
Eliminating rabbit trails
Locking the conflict
The "Ice Road Trucker" effect
Employing key delivery techniques

Taught in a fun and conversational way, "The Craft of Storytelling" draws from the instructor's experience telling stories in podcasts, radio, print, documentaries, at parties, and live on stage in front of hundreds of people. Join this free course and learn engaging storytelling techniques and develop communication skills. Become a better storyteller and share your story with the world.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Finding good stories
Targeting what audiences want in a story
Building the dramatic arc
Using the “ice road trucker” effect
Designing story structures
Locking the conflict

Establishing key elements
Eliminating rabbit trails
Strategizing delivery
Ending your story
Learners in this course will develop their storytelling skills and learn how to tell a compelling story in a powerful way through multiple techniques.

Finding good stories
Targeting what audiences want in a story
Building the dramatic arc
Using the “ice road trucker” effect
Designing story structures
Locking the conflict
Establishing key elements
Eliminating rabbit trails
Strategizing delivery
Ending your story
Learners in this course will develop their storytelling skills and learn how to tell a compelling story in a powerful way through multiple techniques.

Syllabus

Module One: Introduction to Storytelling

What Audiences Want in a Story

What Events Make for a Good Story?

Finding Stories

Module Two: Building Your Story

The Dramatic Arc

Structural Models

Establishing Key Elements

Ending Your Story

Module Three: Delivery

Change everything you’re doing

Emphasizing key moments

Learning from other Storytellers

Dealing with Stage Fright

Module Four: Addressing Common Issues

What Makes for a Bad Story

Fundamental principles of Stories

Becoming a Great storyteller

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the basics of storytelling, which is used in various fields

Introduces story-building techniques for creating engaging narratives

Develops key storytelling skills that can enhance communication in various settings

Taught by Rob Prince, an experienced storyteller and instructor

Covers essential storytelling components, such as building a dramatic arc and eliminating rabbit trails

Requires learners to have a basic understanding of storytelling principles

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Craft of Storytelling with these activities:

Review the Fundamentals of Public Speaking

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Brushing up on public speaking fundamentals will enhance your ability to confidently and effectively deliver your stories to an audience.

Browse courses on Public Speaking

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Review resources on public speaking techniques, such as body language, vocal delivery, and audience engagement.
Practice delivering short speeches or presentations to improve your confidence and pacing.

Read "On Writing Well"

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Reading "On Writing Well" will provide you with an in-depth understanding of effective writing techniques, which will be essential for crafting compelling stories.

View Extraordinary Lives on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
Complete the exercises and prompts throughout the book to practice applying what you've learned.
Reflect on how the principles of effective writing can enhance your storytelling abilities.

Explore Storytelling Techniques from Master Storytellers

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Learning from the techniques and insights of experienced storytellers can provide valuable insights to improve your own storytelling abilities.

Browse courses on Storytelling Techniques

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Identify and follow online tutorials or workshops from renowned storytellers.
Study the storytelling techniques employed by these masters, analyzing their structure, pacing, and impact.
Incorporate the lessons learned into your own storytelling practice.

Four other activities

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Craft a Personal Narrative

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Writing a personal narrative will allow you to practice structuring a story, developing characters, and engaging your audience.

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Identify a compelling personal experience to share as your narrative.
Brainstorm the key events and details of your story using the dramatic arc framework.
Write a detailed outline of your narrative, including the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Draft your personal narrative, paying attention to vivid language, sensory details, and emotional impact.
Review and revise your draft, seeking feedback from peers or a writing tutor to improve clarity and impact.

Join a Storytelling Workshop or Club

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Participating in a storytelling workshop or club will provide you with opportunities to share your stories, receive feedback, and learn from others.

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Research and identify a storytelling workshop or club in your area.
Attend meetings or sessions to participate in storytelling activities.
Share your own stories and engage in constructive discussions with other participants.
Seek feedback on your storytelling and incorporate it into your practice.

Practice Storytelling Techniques

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Engaging in storytelling exercises will sharpen your ability to use specific techniques that enhance audience engagement.

Browse courses on Storytelling Techniques

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Identify a short story or personal anecdote to practice storytelling with.
Apply the storytelling techniques covered in the course, such as setting the scene, building a dramatic arc, empathizing with the audience, and eliminating rabbit trails.
Practice telling your story aloud, experimenting with different delivery methods to improve pacing and impact.
Record yourself telling the story and review it for areas of improvement.

Volunteer as a Storyteller

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Volunteering as a storyteller allows you to practice your skills in a meaningful way while making a positive impact on your community.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify organizations or events that provide storytelling opportunities, such as schools, libraries, or community centers.
Prepare and deliver stories that are appropriate for the audience and setting.
Engage with your audience, encouraging participation and fostering connections.
Reflect on your experiences and use them to improve your storytelling abilities.

Career center

Learners who complete The Craft of Storytelling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers oversee the marketing and advertising efforts of a company or organization. They develop and execute marketing campaigns, manage marketing budgets, and track the results of their efforts. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and operate their own businesses. They develop business plans, manage finances, and market their products or services. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Teacher

Teachers create and deliver lesson plans that teach students about a variety of subjects. They also assess student learning and provide feedback. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers create and execute marketing campaigns that increase awareness for their clients. They may write press releases, manage social media accounts, or give presentations to the media. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They research legal issues, write legal documents, and negotiate settlements. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They interview sources, conduct research, and write articles that inform the public about important issues. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers are responsible for managing the social media accounts of a company or organization. They create and post content, engage with followers, and track the results of their efforts. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Minister

Ministers lead religious services and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations. They may also perform other duties, such as teaching, counseling, and community outreach. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Minister

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They create speeches that are informative, persuasive, and engaging. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Screenwriter

Screenwriters write scripts for movies and television shows. They create characters, settings, and plots that engage viewers and tell a compelling story. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Politician

Politicians run for office and create and implement public policy. They give speeches, meet with constituents, and raise money for their campaigns. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician

Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement strategic plans, manage staff, and raise funds. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Business Owner

Business Owners start and operate their own businesses. They develop business plans, manage finances, and market their products or services. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Owner

Content Writer

Content Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, advertising, and public relations. They write articles, blog posts, website copy, and other types of content. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Novelist

Novelists write and publish novels, which are long works of fiction. They create characters, settings, and plots that engage readers and tell a compelling story. The Craft of Storytelling course may be useful in this role as it teaches effective communication skills and how to tell compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist