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University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Craft of Storytelling

University of Alaska Fairbanks via edX

Overview

This self-paced online storytelling course reveals the secrets behind the powerful tool that is storytelling. This four-week learning experience will equip you to tell stories your audiences will love. The power of storytelling is critical for captivating, educating, and influencing your audience whether in public speaking, social media, creative writing, or everyday real-life situations.

Telling great stories is not intuitive for most of us however, which is why so many people struggle with good storytelling. You can quickly unlock the art of storytelling and learn how to tell your own stories, including your personal story, using time-tested techniques that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

"The Craft of Storytelling" dives into storytelling tips such as:

  • Setting the scene
  • Building a dramatic arc
  • Empathizing with your audience
  • Eliminating rabbit trails
  • Locking the conflict
  • The "Ice Road Trucker" effect
  • Employing key delivery techniques

Taught in a fun and conversational way, "The Craft of Storytelling" draws from the instructor's experience telling stories in podcasts, radio, print, documentaries, at parties, and live on stage in front of hundreds of people. Join this free course and learn engaging storytelling techniques and develop communication skills. Become a better storyteller and share your story with the world.

Syllabus

Module One: Introduction to Storytelling

  • What Audiences Want in a Story
  • What Events Make for a Good Story?
  • Finding Stories

Module Two: Building Your Story

  • The Dramatic Arc
  • Structural Models
  • Establishing Key Elements
  • Ending Your Story

Module Three: Delivery

  • Change everything you’re doing
  • Emphasizing key moments
  • Learning from other Storytellers
  • Dealing with Stage Fright

Module Four: Addressing Common Issues

  • What Makes for a Bad Story
  • Fundamental principles of Stories
  • Becoming a Great storyteller

Taught by

Rob Prince

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