Some thoughts on Storytelling and Talent
In the summer of 2021, I randomly stumbled upon a YouTube video from photographer and YouTuber Peter McKinnon, who I didn't know before. In this video, he invited another photographer and YouTuber to sit down and drink some nice bourbon, as they discussed the stories behind some of their photos.
The discussion they had opened my eyes to the world of photography—an activity that I have considered boring in the past. It was not only about immortalizing moments, as the cliché goes, but whole stories instead. Where was the photo taken, how it was taken, who was the person in the photo, and why does he look sad, happy, or skeptical? It was about the answers to all these questions, and not so much about the speculation (which is also artistic, and the other side of the same coin). For me, it was about knowing instead of assuming. Telling a story. Sparking discussions.
Everyone loves a good story.
I never gave much thought to the skill required to deliver a story in a way that is engaging and captivating. As with many other things in life, I simply thought that you either have it, or you don't. You are either talented enough to be a good storyteller, or you are doomed to bore your friends every time you attempt to outline the events of the night before.
Nowadays, I know that all skills in life are improving through practice. And practice is the great equalizer. No matter how talented someone is, they need to practice in order to hone their skills further. If they don't practice and rely just on their natural talent, they eventually get left behind, by those who put in the hours.
This is why I decided to try and improve storytelling since I know that I lack in this subject. My stories don't have the flow I would like, they may not hold the interest for long, and might even miss the point entirely. In order to work on it, I'll begin by reading two books that were recommended for this purpose. The first one is Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks, and the second one is How to Tell a Story by The Moth. I'll probably write a follow-up after I've read them.
Conclusion
Being able to keep people's attention with your stories is an amazing skill. But like all skills, it needs practice and guidance to grow. Don't let the notion that skilled individuals are the product of talent, discourage you from trying to do something. Everyone can develop various skills if they put their time and willingness into it.
That's all for this one. Have a good day! 😉