What is storytelling and why should software engineers care?
Here’s why I’ve become obsessed with finding stories to tell and how you can too.
Earlier this year I did a solo podcast for 30 days straight as a personal challenge.
In doing that, I wanted to become more entertaining. This led me to Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks.
BENEFITS OF STORYTELLING
You become memorable.
When you entertain, make people laugh, or at least engage your audience in some way — people will remember you. Better yet they will remember your message.
People will want to talk to you.
By being vulnerable and sharing part of yourself, you can connect with people. They will want to come talk to you.
You think better.
Writing and crafting stories are one of the most effective ways to improve your ability to think.
WHAT IS A STORY
A story is a 5 second moment of change.
It’s a realization or a transformation.
I used to think X -> then some stuff happens -> now I think Y.
The beginning of your story is the opposite of the end.
Your 5 second moment of change is the end of your story. What is the opposite of that? That is your beginning.
Then you fill in the story with suspense, humor, etc to make it entertaining on the journey to your ending.
HOW TO FIND STORIES
This is the most interesting and most important part.
You have stories in your life you can tell.
You just need to notice and capture them.
Matthew gives everyone Homework for Life. Which is the daily exercise of reflecting on your day to find stories.
👉 At the end of each day, ask yourself — what was different about today?
What was one moment that could be storyworthy? What was unique? If I had to tell a 5 minute story about today, what would it be?
Just capture a sentence or two.
By doing this and writing it down you will slowly begin to reveal Storyworthy moments in your daily life.
And you will get better at this over time.
In doing this for 3 months so far here’s what I’ve experienced:
I do have stories to tell, not every moment I capture is Storyworthy. Some are just for me.
Time is moving slower. I can remember funny things my kids said from 3 weeks ago.
I’ve noticed patterns in my life that I’m able to improve or be more intentional about.
FOR MORE
Checkout the book Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks.
See his Ted Talks to learn more about Homework for Life and storytelling.
Bits of Chris Show - Episode 32:
