Storytelling Fundamentals for All - 1 Hour Super Course from Udemy

My promise to you: Spend an hour with this course, and you'll become a better storyteller.

Storytelling isn't just for writers and artists. It's a powerful tool that professionals in any field can use to enhance their communication, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success. No matter what industry you're in, this course will help you:

Engage Your Audience: Learn to craft compelling stories that capture attention and keep your audience invested.
Build Stronger Connections: Use storytelling to build trust and connect more deeply with friends, clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
Enhance Your Communication Skills: Transform complex information into memorable and relatable narratives.
Boost Your Influence: Influence decisions and inspire action by presenting your ideas in a more impactful way.

By mastering storytelling, you'll not only enrich your personal and professional life but also gain a unique edge in your field. Join us to discover how storytelling can transform the way you communicate and connect with others.

Why is this course effective?

I create stories for a living. From feature films to running marketing for brands, my work spans podcasts, documentaries, and hundreds of branded stories, seen on Netflix, Amazon, and more. I've created stories for brands like Intel, Honda, the NFL, Coors Light and more. I've won awards and garnered millions of views online by incorporating these principles. I train staff at digital media companies and universities using these same tools.

I've condensed years of storytelling experience into three simple chapters, free from unnecessary history or theory. These practical tools are ones I use daily, communicated swiftly and clearly.

Reviews from Students:

Damien D: "I wasn't expecting so much value in such a short course. It was truly amazing. I got a few golden nuggets that helped me understand storytelling better."
Laura Ann M: "Thank you for valuable insights on keeping people engaged. The course was short, convenient, and straight to the point. Awesome. "
Mario M: "This course arrived at the perfect moment. I recommend it to everyone at any level."

Who is this course for?

This course is intended to give anyone a solid foundation into the principals of effective storytelling, regardless of your background. Whether you're in digital media, writing a book, finishing a screenplay, wanting to do better in interviews, or improving public speaking, this course enhances your ability to engage and captivate audiences.

Disclaimer:

This is a one-hour course aimed at making you a better storyteller. While it won't make you a master overnight, it provides widely applicable fundamentals. Storytelling is a skill that improves with practice.

I'm passionate about storytelling and want to help you connect and inspire quickly. Thank you for checking out the course.

Happy storytelling.

Matt

What's inside

Learning objectives

The secret to effective storytelling simple lessons anyone can learn
How to concept big ideas and present them to make them connect
Why tension is a storytellers greatest tool -- with simple ways to manufacture it any time you want
Why taste is critical & how to develop yours

How to start - a trusty method for breaking through creative blocks and beginning any story
How to design engagement into your stories
Simple and effective tools to create more impactful stories
Much more!

The secret to effective storytelling simple lessons anyone can learn
How to concept big ideas and present them to make them connect
Why tension is a storytellers greatest tool -- with simple ways to manufacture it any time you want
Why taste is critical & how to develop yours
How to start - a trusty method for breaking through creative blocks and beginning any story
How to design engagement into your stories
Simple and effective tools to create more impactful stories
Much more!

Syllabus

Introduction

LESSON ONE: START WITH WHY

1.1 START WITH WHY

1.2 ALWAYS LIVE UP TO YOUR PROMISE

1.3 THE HERO MASTER

1.4 BONUS: UNDERSTANDING YOUR PLATFORM

You can continue on with the course whenever you like, but if you want to take this lesson deeper, be sure to download the workbook. It includes links that will help explain more of why you should start with WHY as well as simple thought exercises to get your WHY muscle pumped up!

CHAPTER TWO: THE SECRET TO ENGAGEMENT IS...

2.1 THE SECRET TO ENGAGEMENT IS...

2.2 THE NUMBER ONE RULE OF TENSION

2.3 TENSION IS EVERYWHERE

2.4 HOW TO CREATE TENSION

2.5 TENSION CASE STUDY: KING OF KONG

Some great previous students asked for more tension examples, well now you've got them! This lesson is a bonus to the main 1 hour video course but it's a good one. The understanding of the power of the release and how some great storytellers occasionally choose to NOT RELEASE! Whattt??

2.7 TENSION IN PRESENTING

2.8 TENSION IN INTERVIEWING OR MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION

2.9 TENSION IN CHARACTER & SETTING

The Lubitsch Touch is a delightful aspect of storytelling that is hard to define - filmmaking legend Billy Wilder does it best -- the full link to the Lubitsch Touch video is in your workbook. Also, SHAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) is an amazing film that uses this technique in a fantastic way - highly recommend!

Have a concept but don't know where to begin? Intimidated by the massive story you have to tell? Writers block? This lesson came from a prompt by student Paul from Germany - thank you so much for the great question! I share a tip that I use all the time in my storytelling, using an award-winning podcast I created on a very tight deadline. Link to the full piece is, you guessed it, in your workbook!

This lesson isn't part of the timed "1 HR Supercourse" -- you can skip if you like -- or you can relish in the slow, lovely pace of a normal human being talking at a sort of normal speed. Ah!

Take your knowledge deeper! Download this workbook for helpful links and activities to begin creating tension in your own stories!

CHAPTER THREE: YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET

3.1 YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET

What the hell was that taste test all about?? In the previous video, you had a prompt that should get to the heart of identifying your taste - in this video, I'll explain a little more about why it matters and how it can be used in many aspects of your creativity.

This is a big one -- you've got the storytelling tools, you understand your taste, now how do you let it flow out of you? This is a helpful lesson for any storyteller.

LESSON 3 WORKBOOK & PRACTICE LESSONS

RECAP & CLOSING

Telling you what I told you! This gives a quick recap of the course - what a journey we've been on!

Thank you all so much for taking the class - if you feel you've gotten value from the course, recommending it to others or reviewing this course positively helps SO much. I work really hard to create the best possible course in the shortest amount of time - and I'm constantly adding to this course with new inspirations and from amazing student's input.

I hope I've earned your five star review, if there are suggestions you have for me or course additions you want to suggest, please message me on Udemy or find me on Instagram @m_to_the_liva

Thank you so much -- and happy storytelling!

These are the links I reference in the course. Hope you enjoy!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides widely applicable fundamentals that can enrich both personal and professional life, offering a unique edge in various fields by transforming communication and connection with others

Offers a solid foundation in effective storytelling principles, regardless of background, enhancing the ability to engage and captivate audiences in various contexts such as digital media, writing, or public speaking

Includes bonus lessons and workbooks with links to external resources, which may require additional time and effort beyond the stated one-hour duration to fully explore and utilize

Condenses years of storytelling experience into practical tools, communicated swiftly and clearly, potentially benefiting those seeking immediate application without extensive theoretical background

Emphasizes the importance of developing one's taste, which is a unique perspective that may add color to other topics and subjects, fostering creativity and originality

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 Storytelling Fundamentals for All - 1 Hour Super Course with these activities:

Review Foundational Storytelling Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of core storytelling elements before diving into the course's specific techniques.

Browse courses on Narrative Structure

Show steps

Review definitions of plot, character, setting, and theme.
Identify examples of each element in familiar stories.
Summarize the key principles of effective storytelling.

Read 'Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting' by Robert McKee

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Expand your understanding of storytelling principles with a detailed exploration of narrative structure and character development.

View Story on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on chapters related to tension and engagement.
Take notes on key concepts and examples provided by McKee.
Apply McKee's principles to stories you are familiar with.

Analyze a Film for Storytelling Techniques

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Solidify your understanding of storytelling by deconstructing a film and identifying the techniques used to engage the audience.

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Choose a film known for its compelling storytelling.
Watch the film and take notes on the plot, characters, and themes.
Identify specific techniques used to create tension and engagement.
Write a short analysis of the film's storytelling techniques.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel' by Jessica Brody

Show steps

Learn a structured approach to plotting and pacing your stories to maximize engagement and impact.

View Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, paying attention to the 'beats' of a story.
Apply the 'Save the Cat!' method to a story idea you have.
Identify the key moments of tension and release in your story.

Practice Creating Tension in Short Scenarios

Show steps

Improve your ability to create tension by practicing with short, focused exercises.

Show steps

Choose a simple scenario, such as a character waiting for a phone call.
Brainstorm ways to create tension in the scenario, such as adding obstacles or raising the stakes.
Write a short scene that incorporates the tension-building techniques.
Repeat the exercise with different scenarios.

Develop a Short Story Outline

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Apply the course's principles to create a detailed outline for a short story, focusing on engagement and tension.

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for a short story, focusing on a central conflict.
Develop the main characters and their motivations.
Outline the plot, including key scenes and turning points.
Identify opportunities to create tension and engagement throughout the story.

Record a Short Storytelling Presentation

Show steps

Practice your storytelling skills by creating and delivering a short presentation, focusing on engaging your audience and building tension.

Show steps

Choose a topic for your presentation, such as a personal experience or a historical event.
Structure your presentation using storytelling techniques learned in the course.
Record yourself delivering the presentation.
Review the recording and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Storytelling Fundamentals for All - 1 Hour Super Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager relies on compelling narratives to connect with their audience, and this course directly addresses that need. They craft stories around products and services to engage customers, and this course helps refine the skills needed for that. Specifically, understanding how to create tension and design engagement will ensure that marketing campaigns capture audience attention. The course also helps with presenting ideas and breaking through creative blocks, which are crucial in developing innovative marketing strategies. A marketing manager will find the course helpful and directly applicable to their profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist uses storytelling to shape public perception and build relationships with stakeholders, and this course is a valuable resource for honing that skill. Creating compelling narratives is central to public relations, whether it's crafting press releases, preparing a speech, or managing a brand's image. The focus on engaging an audience, building strong connections, and transforming complex information into relatable narratives is essential for a public relations specialist. This course's emphasis on creating impactful stories is directly applicable to this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Content Creator

Content Creators develop engaging material for diverse audiences, and this course enhances their ability to craft compelling stories, a core function of their role. Whether they are producing blog posts, videos, or social media content, understanding how to concept big ideas is essential. This course's focus on tension, engagement, and overcoming creative blocks is invaluable for generating successful content. The course’s lessons on designing engagement into a story will be directly useful in creating content that resonates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Sales Representative

A Sales Representative uses persuasive narratives to connect with potential clients and close deals, and this course is well suited for that. They must captivate interest and build rapport, requiring storytelling skills to present products or services effectively. The course’s sections on designing engagement, creating tension, and developing one's taste are skills that directly translate to a sales context. A sales representative who takes this course will have an edge when it comes to communicating and connecting with clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative

Training Facilitator

A Training Facilitator designs and delivers informative sessions, and this course will help them present their content more effectively with engaging narratives. They need to make complex information relatable and accessible to their audience. The course's focus on crafting compelling stories, building strong connections, and transforming information into memorable narratives will help a training facilitator become more effective. This course will help them connect with learners on a deeper level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training Facilitator

Grant Writer

A Grant Writer crafts compelling narratives to persuade foundations and organizations to fund projects, and this course helps build this foundation. They must convey the importance and impact of their proposals using stories that resonate. The course on how to concept big ideas, design engagement, and use tension will directly improve the ability of a grant writer to gain support for their cause. Understanding how to start and overcome creative blocks is also helpful for creating successful proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Project Manager

A Project Manager uses storytelling to communicate project goals, progress, and challenges to stakeholders, and this course can help them deliver these messages effectively. They need to keep their teams and leadership engaged and informed. The course’s emphasis on crafting compelling narratives and presenting ideas in an impactful way can significantly benefit a project manager. By learning how to build strong connections and influence action, a project manager can keep projects aligned.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Communications Director

A Communications Director strategically employs storytelling to connect with audiences and shape the narrative around their organization, and this course may help them with this task. This role involves crafting messages that resonate with diverse stakeholders. The skills taught in this course, such as building stronger connections, enhancing communication skills, and boosting influence, are directly applicable to this role. This one hour course, while not a comprehensive communications guide, may improve their communication practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Director

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager can benefit from this course by learning how to communicate effectively with employees through engaging stories. They use storytelling in various ways, such as for onboarding, conflict resolution, and employee engagement programs. The course's emphasis on building trust, connecting with others, and transforming information into memorable narratives are essential skills for an HR manager. This course may improve their ability to connect with employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates engaging educational content, which this course can aid by improving their storytelling skills. They need to transform complex subjects into relatable and captivating learning experiences. While this course is not a complete guide to instruction design, the principles taught in this course on how to create tension, design engagement, and present ideas in an impactful way will help them in their role. The course may provide a helpful toolset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Journalist

A Journalist uses storytelling to inform and engage the public, and taking this course may enhance their ability to tell stories more effectively. Journalists are tasked with presenting complex information in a clear and engaging manner, and this course could help them achieve that. The skills taught in this course, such as crafting compelling stories, creating tension, and developing one's taste, could be helpful for their profession. The lessons of this course may be a useful addition to their skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Fundraiser

A Fundraiser uses compelling narratives to connect with potential donors and secure financial support, and taking this course may help them hone this skill. They must be able to communicate the mission and impact of their organization through stories that resonate, and so, learning the techniques in this course may be useful to them. The focus on building trust, influencing actions, and creating impactful presentations will help them acquire new donors. This course may be a useful starting point for improving their communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraiser

Social Worker

Social Workers rely on storytelling in their daily work, whether it is in advocating for clients or building rapport, and this course may improve their communication skills. They need to effectively communicate client's needs to stakeholders. Though not a core skill, the course's lessons on building connections, engaging audiences, and transforming information into narratives could be helpful when working with clients and other professionals. This course may provide an edge in communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Academic Advisor

An Academic Advisor works closely with students, and narrative skills may be helpful when connecting and relating with students. While this course is not specifically designed for this position, the focus on building strong connections, enhancing communication skills, and presenting ideas effectively may be a useful tool. For an academic advisor, presenting complex academic information effectively is key, and the course may assist with this goal.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Advisor

Recruiter

A Recruiter uses storytelling to attract and engage prospective candidates, and this course may offer insights into how to make recruitment efforts more compelling. They must convey the culture and opportunities of a company through narratives that resonate with candidates. While not a direct focus of this course, the lessons on capturing attention, building trust, and presenting ideas in an impactful way may translate to a recruiter's daily work. This course may be of secondary use to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Storytelling Fundamentals for All - 1 Hour Super Course

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