People are often surprised when I tell them storytelling is a skill they can learn.

I've been writing and telling stories for years, but I'm still spending this week at a retreat, learning more about this craft of writing and telling stories. There is always more to learn. Thankfully, it doesn't take much to get started.

Here's how to create a simple story about just about anything.

Two weeks ago, I released a new podcast episode and wrote a quick email to tell you about it. My original draft went something like this:

Then I thought about how I'm always telling you that you need to tell stories. Seems like I should follow my own advice, no?

Here's how I turned that announcement email into a story.

First, I used a simple story structure:

• A character,
• with a problem that needs to be solved,
• takes action,
• faces a crisis,
• and changes as a result of the adventure.

You can find the story email here. See the structure?

The other thing I did was to use phrases that signal story and hold the reader's attention:

• Hook (grabs attention): "Have you ever...? That’s exactly what happened to me, and it changed my life."
• Emotion (as fear spoke to me): "I’d never be asked to speak again."
• The turning point: “But then, something amazing happened.”
• Invitation: Not only did I share the life-changing lesson I learned, but I also invited you to see yourself in the story to learn the same lesson. "I’ll bet there’s something you could..."
• Call to Action: "Go be you. Share what you know."

Could your next email turn into a story?

Try it out, and let me know the response you get.

Kay Helm

I help you tell powerful and effective stories that inspire action.

​Mission Writers | Life and Mission Podcast​

P.S. Storytelling is a skill you can learn. So many missionaries and ministry/nonprofit leaders don't know this, and that makes me sad. Do you know someone who needs to know it? Share this email with them!