Storytelling: Think&Do 1.2 Exaggerate!

Storytelling: Think&Do 1.2

Exaggerate!

Storytelling as a 21st Century Skill
by Norah Dooley


In his post, FOUR Rules I Practice in Storytelling, Brian C. Hughes, Senior Pastor + Blogger says:

I cannot tell you how many people have asked me, "Was that story you told yesterday actually true?" I guess it was so outrageous that it was pretty hard to believe. The answer is: Yes. It's true. And I thought it would provide a good opportunity for me to talk a little about storytelling as illustration in any kind of public speaking - whether it's a sermon or a lecture or a speech…

1) Exaggeration is ok. Most of the time, I look for ways to insert an absurdity. Strategically placed, these accomplish 2 things: 1 - they make the story fun and funny, 2 - absurdities tell the listener, "that part is an embellishment." In this particular story, I said something like, "I was so mad, I pumped iron like the old Arnold..." Well, that's clearly not true. But it's also clearly an embellishment. It's so absurd that it cannot possibly be true.

Where Pastor Hughes is very careful about his exaggeration, I think that in a short story (like a 5 minute slam story) it is sometimes necessary to distort story elements to get your meaning across. Is this alright? I say, yes. Is it truthful?  Well, no.  But is it dishonest?  Do you intend to deceive and make people think particular details are true for some other ego purpose? I think this is crucial. Since storytelling is an art - not journalism - we need to have room to create.  Exaggeration as a brainstorming tool can lead amazing results.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/creative-whack-pack/id307306326?mt=8

Exercise: Think&Do 1.2  Exaggerate!

1. In any story you want to tell, try adding an exaggerated detail at the beginning and end of your story.  Tell the whole story to a listener or record it.  Ask for specific feedback: Does the new detail distract from you meaning or heighten it?