How to Build a Story: 6 Tips From a Storytelling Professional

An artistic image of a girl writing in a notebook in a cafe, learning how to build a story

Do you want to know how to build a story like a professional? How can you make a story come to life in someone’s mind? Matthew Dicks, an oral storytelling champion, shares his insights on how to find, write, and deliver a story. He teaches everything from how to build toward a satisfying conclusion, incorporate details, create emotional investment, keep the action moving, lie strategically, and incorporate humor. Let’s take a look at Dicks’s lessons, along with the advice of other writers such as Stephen King, Kurt Vonnegut, Robert McKee, and others.

How to Identify the Point of a Story You’re Writing

A man sitting at a writing desk in front of a window trying to identify the point of his story

How do you choose which life stories are the best ones to share? Which types of stories are the most relatable to audiences? How can you discover the point of a story to make it more significant? Well-written stories have an underlying core message that’s relatable to audiences. However, when you’re putting together a story, it can be difficult to identify which parts of your story will resonate with audiences. Here are Matthew Dicks two strategies for identifying your most storyworthy moments.

Why Storytelling Matters: Improve Your Relationships & Career

From behind, a woman is standing on a stage in front of a faceless crowd, signifying why storytelling matters

What makes true stories so powerful? Why should everyone share stories about their lives? Matthew Dicks is a champion oral storyteller and the author of Storyworthy. According to Dicks, there are more benefits to telling stories than just entertainment. Storytelling can boost your career, allow for personal growth, and facilitate intimacy. Here’s why storytelling matters and the benefits you can gain from sharing your experiences.

How to Identify Significant Moments to Share as a Story

A man surrounded by a group of friends telling a story about a significant moment in his life

When telling true stories, how can you identify significant moments to share? What makes a moment “storyworthy”? Matthew Dicks is a storytelling professional and the author of Storyworthy. He asserts that no matter what kind of life you lead, it’s likely full of stories that are worth sharing Here’s how to identify the most storyworthy moments in your life to share with others.

How to Build Suspense and Surprise in a Story: Methods & Tips

An audience of people gasping in surprise while listening to a story be told on stage

Want to know how to build suspense and surprise in a story? How can you leverage surprise to captivate an audience? Suspense and surprise are very important when it comes to keeping an audience dialed into your story. Matthew Dicks, an oral storytelling pro, shares techniques for doing both and why they’re so important. Here are two techniques for building suspense and an explanation of how to leverage surprise.

Email Prospecting: 4 Steps to Crafting a Compelling Message

A saleswoman in a green and white plaid shirt conducting email prospecting on a laptop

What makes the difference between an email that gets read and one that gets deleted? How can you write emails that connect with prospects and lead to sales? In Fanatical Prospecting, Jeb Blount reveals the four essential steps to create compelling prospecting emails. His approach helps salespeople craft messages that grab attention, build connections, and generate responses. Keep reading to discover the secrets of effective email prospecting that can transform your outreach efforts into meaningful business relationships.

Social Media Prospecting: 3 Strategies to Boost Name Recognition

A professional woman with a ponytail and blue shirt conducting social media prospecting on a desktop computer

What makes social media prospecting different from traditional sales approaches? How can you build meaningful connections with potential clients through social platforms? In Fanatical Prospecting, Jeb Blount reveals that social media isn’t meant for direct selling—it’s a powerful tool for building recognition and trust. His insights show how to leverage platforms such as LinkedIn to create authentic relationships with prospects. Keep reading to discover proven social media prospecting strategies that can transform your approach to building business relationships.

How to Guide a Team: 3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workers

A manager talking to her workers while sitting around a table in an open workspace illustrates how to guide a team

What makes the difference between a true leader and a boss who simply gives orders? How can you effectively guide your team while maintaining their trust and motivation? In The Way of the Shepherd, Kevin Leman and William Pentak share wisdom about leadership through the metaphor of shepherding. Their insights reveal practical strategies for guiding teams, from leading by example to maintaining open communication and redirecting workers with care. Keep reading to discover how to guide a team using proven strategies that transform average managers into exceptional leaders.

4 Prospecting Channels: How to Take a Diversified Approach

A saleswoman talking on a mobile phone illustrates various prospecting channels

What’s the most effective way to reach potential customers in today’s digital age? Which prospecting methods actually convert leads into sales? In Fanatical Prospecting, sales expert Jeb Blount reveals proven strategies for connecting with prospects through multiple channels. His comprehensive approach covers in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and social media outreach. Keep reading to discover how to maximize your success across different prospecting channels and create a winning sales strategy that delivers results.

Telephone Prospecting: 4 Steps to Master Your #1 Approach

A male salesperson conducting telephone prospecting via a mobile phone at a desk in an open workspace

What’s the most effective way to connect with potential customers over the phone? How can you turn a “no” into a “yes” during telephone prospecting? Sales expert Jeb Blount shares proven strategies for successful telephone prospecting in his book Fanatical Prospecting. His four-step approach helps salespeople hook prospects’ attention, build credibility, and make compelling requests that lead to conversions. Keep reading to discover the exact steps for mastering telephone prospecting and learn how to handle rejections like a pro.