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The Storytelling Code: 10 Simple Rules to Shape and Tell a Brilliant Story
Unlock the tales within you—unleash the power of storytelling
Everyone loves a good story—but how do you turn a fun anecdote into one for the books? Whether you’re hoping to impress others during a job interview, trying out stand-up, or giving a hilarious wedding speech, The Storytelling Code provides step-by-step help on crafting your narrative, as well as simple exercises to put those public speaking skills into practice.
Master the art of storytelling using 10 easy-to-follow rules to help you shape your story and share it confidently. Humorous advice will give you the courage to tell stories in your everyday life, and the unique exercises will demonstrate how to set a goal for each tale, gather the best materials, keep your audience engaged, and more.
The Storytelling Code
Tell-tale heart—Release your inner storyteller using 10 easy-to-follow rules, including advice for identifying a narrative goal, shaping a plot, and more.Gift of gab—Find the confidence to go live through courage-building tips that make sure you’re capturing and connecting with your audience. Pen to paper—Get those creative writing juices flowing with fill-in writing prompts and insightful checklists to prep you for everyday storytelling situations. Make every story mic drop-worthy with The Storytelling Code.
Everyone loves a good story—but how do you turn a fun anecdote into one for the books? Whether you’re hoping to impress others during a job interview, trying out stand-up, or giving a hilarious wedding speech, The Storytelling Code provides step-by-step help on crafting your narrative, as well as simple exercises to put those public speaking skills into practice.
Master the art of storytelling using 10 easy-to-follow rules to help you shape your story and share it confidently. Humorous advice will give you the courage to tell stories in your everyday life, and the unique exercises will demonstrate how to set a goal for each tale, gather the best materials, keep your audience engaged, and more.
The Storytelling Code
Tell-tale heart—Release your inner storyteller using 10 easy-to-follow rules, including advice for identifying a narrative goal, shaping a plot, and more.Gift of gab—Find the confidence to go live through courage-building tips that make sure you’re capturing and connecting with your audience. Pen to paper—Get those creative writing juices flowing with fill-in writing prompts and insightful checklists to prep you for everyday storytelling situations. Make every story mic drop-worthy with The Storytelling Code.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2020
227 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2020
As a performing musician and teacher, I am telling stories on a regular basis. Sometimes my stories don't have words...but they do have the same arc of problem and solution. I requested a review copy of this book from the publisher because the topic complements my work and teaching so well. I enjoyed the step-by-step process and pragmatic advice, plus the example stories that needed some editing and the troubleshooting hints. A quick read, and a worthy reference that I will use and quote in future classes as my students explore how music tells a story!
May 10, 2020
This was a great read and you should definitely get it if you are interesting in improving your storytelling, especially if you're a beginner. It gets straight to the point without any fluff. It walks you through a simple process for actually sitting down and writing a story. The second half walks you through how to prepare and deliver that story in person.
While we think of storytelling as being for comedians or writers, this book points out all of us are telling stories all the time. Job interviews, first dates, wedding speeches. There are so many times you'll want to be able to tell a well crafted story.
I like comparing this book to weight loss programs. There are those snake oil promises of getting thin fast with no effort which never works. Then there are the approaches that emphasize eating healthy and being active which are more effective but less exciting. The Storytelling Code is definitely a "diet and exercise" approach. It gives you the tools and the confidence to be a better storyteller but it up to you to follow through!
While we think of storytelling as being for comedians or writers, this book points out all of us are telling stories all the time. Job interviews, first dates, wedding speeches. There are so many times you'll want to be able to tell a well crafted story.
I like comparing this book to weight loss programs. There are those snake oil promises of getting thin fast with no effort which never works. Then there are the approaches that emphasize eating healthy and being active which are more effective but less exciting. The Storytelling Code is definitely a "diet and exercise" approach. It gives you the tools and the confidence to be a better storyteller but it up to you to follow through!
April 28, 2023
My thought about the book:
This is one of those books you can read in one sitting. The style of writing is simple and the author doesn't go too much into psychology if she is explaining why something works or not. I really liked that the author added a "practice" and "checklist" section at the end of each chapter which provides additional guidance on how the reader should proceed with developing his storytelling skills. "The Storytelling Code" consists of two parts, the first being "Shape your Story" and the second "Tell your Story", and each has five chapters. I'm pointing this out because I really enjoyed reading part one of the book, while not so much part two. Most of the things written in part two felt like trying to get the page count up, and those five rules could maybe be two rules at most (but I guess seven simple rules don't sound as good as ten).
Overall if you are just starting out with storytelling I suggest you pick up "The Storytelling Code" and read it and practice writing and telling your story. Even if you have read a book or two about storytelling I believe you can still find a "nugget" or two which will help you in your process in the future. I did.
My short summary
The author (Dana Noriss from now on Dana) starts out with a simple question, why do you want to tell your story? What is your goal, what is the most important outcome? And then she points out that you should stick to only one goal per story otherwise your message may get lost. She then continues by explaining the structure of every successful story which is called the "Plot Arc". By understanding the Plot Arc you will be able to turn any personal experience into a story. If you have trouble coming up with stories, Dana also at this point provides some narratives you can use. As you develop your Plot Arc you should keep in mind that the conflict is a very important element of your story which you can build up with patterns and then by breaking them. You can also build up the tension by not telling the story in the correct chronological order. For example, you can start in the middle to present the problem and then go back to build up the tension.
Chapter three is all about the story prompts, details, how to tell your story and how much "fiction" you can use in your story for you to stay authentic and not be dishonest. Chapter four is about "polishing" your story by only including the most essential aspects of your story, using all five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), and sharing unique and surprising details that will grab the audience's attention. Dana also points out to avoid clichés as every cliché is a missed opportunity to show your point of view of events and the world (in the story). In the fifth chapter Dana talks about the ending and its importance as the ending is what the story means! There are different types of endings, for example, a callback, a fast forward, or a full circle. The type of ending you choose depends on your time frame, your audience, and your goal. Whatever you choose just don't make an abrupt or unclear ending, remember your ending helps you achieve the goal you have picked for your story.
In the sixth chapter, Dana shares ten simple ways to build your confidence that will help you overcome your fear of telling your story live. In the next chapter, she talks about honesty and how being vulnerable by sharing why you care or why something means to you is your advantage and will get your audience on your side. In the eighth chapter, Dana talks about the importance of tailoring your story to the audience you are currently sharing it with and which things you need to consider when assessing your audience. In the last two chapters Dana talks about always practicing and how to get ready before you are going to do your talk or presentation. A good point she made that I didn't do until now is to practice telling the same story in different variations. Why that is important you might wonder? Well, if you learn a story word by word then if something interrupts you when telling it or if you haven't told it in a long time you might forget important elements or the correct order of events in the story, which will ruin the story and your message won't get across. But if you do like Dana suggests remember the first line and the last line and all of the plot points in between then no matter how long you haven't told the story or if something interrupts you, you will know how to tell the story without losing the message.
You can find more about the book (like my notes) at https://purposefocuscommitment.com/bo...
This is one of those books you can read in one sitting. The style of writing is simple and the author doesn't go too much into psychology if she is explaining why something works or not. I really liked that the author added a "practice" and "checklist" section at the end of each chapter which provides additional guidance on how the reader should proceed with developing his storytelling skills. "The Storytelling Code" consists of two parts, the first being "Shape your Story" and the second "Tell your Story", and each has five chapters. I'm pointing this out because I really enjoyed reading part one of the book, while not so much part two. Most of the things written in part two felt like trying to get the page count up, and those five rules could maybe be two rules at most (but I guess seven simple rules don't sound as good as ten).
Overall if you are just starting out with storytelling I suggest you pick up "The Storytelling Code" and read it and practice writing and telling your story. Even if you have read a book or two about storytelling I believe you can still find a "nugget" or two which will help you in your process in the future. I did.
My short summary
The author (Dana Noriss from now on Dana) starts out with a simple question, why do you want to tell your story? What is your goal, what is the most important outcome? And then she points out that you should stick to only one goal per story otherwise your message may get lost. She then continues by explaining the structure of every successful story which is called the "Plot Arc". By understanding the Plot Arc you will be able to turn any personal experience into a story. If you have trouble coming up with stories, Dana also at this point provides some narratives you can use. As you develop your Plot Arc you should keep in mind that the conflict is a very important element of your story which you can build up with patterns and then by breaking them. You can also build up the tension by not telling the story in the correct chronological order. For example, you can start in the middle to present the problem and then go back to build up the tension.
Chapter three is all about the story prompts, details, how to tell your story and how much "fiction" you can use in your story for you to stay authentic and not be dishonest. Chapter four is about "polishing" your story by only including the most essential aspects of your story, using all five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), and sharing unique and surprising details that will grab the audience's attention. Dana also points out to avoid clichés as every cliché is a missed opportunity to show your point of view of events and the world (in the story). In the fifth chapter Dana talks about the ending and its importance as the ending is what the story means! There are different types of endings, for example, a callback, a fast forward, or a full circle. The type of ending you choose depends on your time frame, your audience, and your goal. Whatever you choose just don't make an abrupt or unclear ending, remember your ending helps you achieve the goal you have picked for your story.
In the sixth chapter, Dana shares ten simple ways to build your confidence that will help you overcome your fear of telling your story live. In the next chapter, she talks about honesty and how being vulnerable by sharing why you care or why something means to you is your advantage and will get your audience on your side. In the eighth chapter, Dana talks about the importance of tailoring your story to the audience you are currently sharing it with and which things you need to consider when assessing your audience. In the last two chapters Dana talks about always practicing and how to get ready before you are going to do your talk or presentation. A good point she made that I didn't do until now is to practice telling the same story in different variations. Why that is important you might wonder? Well, if you learn a story word by word then if something interrupts you when telling it or if you haven't told it in a long time you might forget important elements or the correct order of events in the story, which will ruin the story and your message won't get across. But if you do like Dana suggests remember the first line and the last line and all of the plot points in between then no matter how long you haven't told the story or if something interrupts you, you will know how to tell the story without losing the message.
You can find more about the book (like my notes) at https://purposefocuscommitment.com/bo...
April 30, 2020
This is a crash course for someone needing to freshen up their writing or even speaking skills to tell a story. The author breaks this down in 10 simple rules with concise steps to create a decent story. It has a lot of helpful tips throughout. It’s a great way to brainstorm a wedding toast for your best friend, eulogy, job interview, or to be able to present yourself in person or on paper.
It walks you through the plot from the beginning to end showing you some well known stories as examples in a graph. There are checklist and places to write within the book.
I enjoyed the section on Respect your Audience. It’s so important to know who you are talking to. I’ve seen this looked over many times by speakers.
I wouldn’t consider this a complete writing and speaking course but a crash course that is well rounded to get the job done and to build up your confidence. Some tips that I liked where practice. You know the saying, “Use it or lose it” I was able to read this book in an hour and took away many good points.
I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
It walks you through the plot from the beginning to end showing you some well known stories as examples in a graph. There are checklist and places to write within the book.
I enjoyed the section on Respect your Audience. It’s so important to know who you are talking to. I’ve seen this looked over many times by speakers.
I wouldn’t consider this a complete writing and speaking course but a crash course that is well rounded to get the job done and to build up your confidence. Some tips that I liked where practice. You know the saying, “Use it or lose it” I was able to read this book in an hour and took away many good points.
I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
May 11, 2020
3 1/2
I have to admit to expecting something a little different when I began reading Dana Norris' The Storytelling Code. While I was expecting a book geared toward written narrative, this book is more directed toward oral narrative. Which is completely fine. I've never looked for nor read any books about oral narratives so I found it an interesting read.
The author discusses her 10 rules to shaping a story and this is where the difference between oral and written narratives comes in because most writers typically consider their audience after they've written a piece while the oral must consider the audience beforehand.
Considering oral narratives, this book offers ideas on how to compose a story for an interview, public speaking, poetry jam, and eulogies, to name just a few. While some of the ideas are applicable to written narrative, many don't crossover. So if you're looking for a book to help with written narrative, you might want to pass this one by. However, if you're looking for a guide in oral narrative, this is your book.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit to expecting something a little different when I began reading Dana Norris' The Storytelling Code. While I was expecting a book geared toward written narrative, this book is more directed toward oral narrative. Which is completely fine. I've never looked for nor read any books about oral narratives so I found it an interesting read.
The author discusses her 10 rules to shaping a story and this is where the difference between oral and written narratives comes in because most writers typically consider their audience after they've written a piece while the oral must consider the audience beforehand.
Considering oral narratives, this book offers ideas on how to compose a story for an interview, public speaking, poetry jam, and eulogies, to name just a few. While some of the ideas are applicable to written narrative, many don't crossover. So if you're looking for a book to help with written narrative, you might want to pass this one by. However, if you're looking for a guide in oral narrative, this is your book.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2020
I was ready to dislike Dana's book for 2 reasons. The first is that I've heard Dana tell genius stories many times before, and I kinda didn't want to know how the sausage was made. The second is that I have read many business and success "how-to" books, and I feel like they've all wasted my time because the bottom line advice is always: be good at what you do and don't be a dick about it. The Storytelling Code has ruined me. So much so I am inspired to get up and tell an actual story about how much it ruined me. It doesn't just explain HOW to be good at storytelling, it also explains HOW to not be a dick when you do it. In real, useful language. She's-your-good-friend-trying-to-help-you-be-your-best-self kind of language. In simple but instructive terms, Dana walks the reader through the rules, process, and pitfalls of story writing and telling, in ways that anyone could apply to nearly any social and professional setting. Whether you are looking for ways to get ahead at work or just make a first date laugh, this book will guide you to better storytelling.
May 24, 2020
I write memoir and personal essays. I chose this book hoping it would give me tips for shaping my narratives, and I was right! This short book is broken down into 10 chapters, each giving a rule to follow in story-telling. While this is geared toward the verbal story, everything can be applied to written stories. In fact, the author advises writing at least a first draft of any story you wish to tell, even if you'll be delivering it verbally. There are exercises throughout the book to help you practice the rule being addressed. At the end of each chapter there are bullet points of what was discussed and a checklist of things to do/read/remember. This book will go on my desk with the other writing books I reference regularly and I will recommend it to all my writer friends. I can also tell that the tips here are going to make me a better speaker in general when it comes to telling anecdotes at dinner parties and the like. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to be a better storyteller in any form. I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2021
This book, focused on the art of verbal storytelling, offers a solid breakdown of the process along with a step by step guide, which is especially helpful for beginners. Though an easy read that one can breeze through, the book offers tools for generating ideas, constructing a narrative, shaping the finer details, and preparing for an actual show/presentation. The assignments throughout offer dedicated readers hours of activities to craft their work. While reading, I was able to come up with a number of stories that I plan to flesh out utilizing some of the tips Norris provides. And in my short time developing a story via this book, the "10 rules" provided a fresh outlook on what to prioritize and highlight.
As a performer, I enjoyed getting a clear and structured perspective on storytelling. That said, I think this book is best suited for new storytellers, especially anyone apprehensive about trying out an open mic or in need of a guide before a big presentation.
As a performer, I enjoyed getting a clear and structured perspective on storytelling. That said, I think this book is best suited for new storytellers, especially anyone apprehensive about trying out an open mic or in need of a guide before a big presentation.
April 30, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
The Storytelling Code is a a helpful resource on how to tell stories, whether it’s verbal or on paper. It gives you the steps needed to shape your story into one that will be memorable.
It also has a checklist at the end of each chapter to make you think and practice what you’ve learned. There are also practice sections that are helpful. In fact, one of the 10 rules is to always be practicing because the more you tell stories, the better you’ll become.
The Storytelling Code should be helpful for beginning storytellers who are looking for ways to improve their skills.
The Storytelling Code is a a helpful resource on how to tell stories, whether it’s verbal or on paper. It gives you the steps needed to shape your story into one that will be memorable.
It also has a checklist at the end of each chapter to make you think and practice what you’ve learned. There are also practice sections that are helpful. In fact, one of the 10 rules is to always be practicing because the more you tell stories, the better you’ll become.
The Storytelling Code should be helpful for beginning storytellers who are looking for ways to improve their skills.
April 25, 2020
If you are a beginner writer interested in storytelling, or crafting your memoir, this book lists helpful rules for writing a well crafted story.
As the subtitle suggests, there are 10 simple rules to follow to assure your story is well rounded, well crafted, and be confident in your choices.
The book also addresses "the Gift of Gab" for those interested in confidence building connected to public speaking or addressing a group.
Most of all, this guide is motivating and encouraging, prompting you to get your creative juices flowing and getting your pencil to paper (so-to-speak.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
As the subtitle suggests, there are 10 simple rules to follow to assure your story is well rounded, well crafted, and be confident in your choices.
The book also addresses "the Gift of Gab" for those interested in confidence building connected to public speaking or addressing a group.
Most of all, this guide is motivating and encouraging, prompting you to get your creative juices flowing and getting your pencil to paper (so-to-speak.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
July 9, 2020
This book has great tips for shaping narratives and I feel it is geared towards those that don't have much writing experience but want to learn. This book is fairly short but has good information for beginning writers. It is broken down into 10 chapters that explain the rules to follow in story-telling.
This book actually focuses on verbal storytelling but can easily be applied to writing so I actually recommend it for those wishing to improve speaking skills as well. I fell it is a solid reference for beginners.
I received this book from Callisto Publishing and Rockridge Press for an honest review.
This book actually focuses on verbal storytelling but can easily be applied to writing so I actually recommend it for those wishing to improve speaking skills as well. I fell it is a solid reference for beginners.
I received this book from Callisto Publishing and Rockridge Press for an honest review.
April 22, 2020
*Thank you Callisto Publishing for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
While this book isn't earth-shattering, it does have quite a few helpful tips. It took me exactly an hour to read this. The Storytelling Code is basically a how-to guide interspersed with activities that are geared towards helping the reader put together a story to tell in public. I underlined a few passages that resonated with me.
Overall this would be helpful if you're planning on telling stories to others (and who couldn't benefit from that?)
While this book isn't earth-shattering, it does have quite a few helpful tips. It took me exactly an hour to read this. The Storytelling Code is basically a how-to guide interspersed with activities that are geared towards helping the reader put together a story to tell in public. I underlined a few passages that resonated with me.
Overall this would be helpful if you're planning on telling stories to others (and who couldn't benefit from that?)
April 28, 2020
Excellent starter book or resource for the classroom. Ten steps with examples and details are helpful for middle and high schoolers, but also adults itching to write a book or collection of short stories. I will add it to my classroom library writing resource section.
I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2020
I'd like to think I'm a seasoned storyteller but after reading this book, I feel so much more equipped. It will definitely be my reference material moving forward with plenty of dog-ears and underlines to jump back to. Definitely recommend for anyone who is trying to move their audience with a good story.
March 8, 2022
The skinny on how to tell a great story
We've all got stories inside of us. And some of us could use some help in getting those stories out where others can appreciate them. These 10 tips really hit the spot, from writing prompts to building confidence. Don't die with your story untold
We've all got stories inside of us. And some of us could use some help in getting those stories out where others can appreciate them. These 10 tips really hit the spot, from writing prompts to building confidence. Don't die with your story untold
March 31, 2023
I just finished reading this book. I like everything that the author said about how to compose a story. She cover the way plot should be structure however, then half of the book was about public speaking and the delivery. I was more interested in the first have of the book that it was about composing and structuring the story.
June 1, 2020
Inspiring, clear and engaging how-to-tell-a-good-story manual useful for anyone who ever has to speak to another human being. It's a quick guide that will give readers a confidence boost and roadmap for crafting and performing a story.
January 18, 2021
I am new to this so it helped me prepare.
I have had numerous requests to tell stories by many friends and they say they really enjoy them and I enjoy doing them. This book has many tips to help find tune my stories to be better.
I have had numerous requests to tell stories by many friends and they say they really enjoy them and I enjoy doing them. This book has many tips to help find tune my stories to be better.
February 2, 2021
Great guide to storytelling!
This truly has everything you need to prepare, write and share a story (this book focuses on true ones rather than fictional). I highly recommend it even if you're an expert in the field (great refresher if so).
This truly has everything you need to prepare, write and share a story (this book focuses on true ones rather than fictional). I highly recommend it even if you're an expert in the field (great refresher if so).
March 29, 2021
This is a powerhouse of a book packed into 100 pages. Part how-to, part reference manual, part workbook - it is something I will keep and reference for writing and speaking. Should be mandatory reading for anyone who puts words into the world.
July 10, 2021
So real and practical
I love this book. I am a budding speaker who want to use stories to help my audience make the best out of their situation. This book was exactly what I needed to make this a reality. I am going it come back to this book over and over again.
I love this book. I am a budding speaker who want to use stories to help my audience make the best out of their situation. This book was exactly what I needed to make this a reality. I am going it come back to this book over and over again.
January 20, 2022
Excellent review of storytelling principles for beginning writers. For more advanced writers, this is probably too simple but might be a good reminder if the author has gone off-track and gotten stuck. Personally, I will keep it handy and use it as a quick reference.
June 14, 2022
Uma explicação simples, clara e sucinta sobre como montar um storytelling! Considero prático, dado que as explicações são rápidas, seguidas de exemplos no cotidiano, mas considero que em alguns momentos, poderia ter uma profundidade maior no assunto!
January 28, 2023
Good breakdown on how to compose and prepare an interesting story.
From a business perspective, many suggestions and tools in this book can be applied to meetings. IE how to prepare, how to engage with the audience etc.
From a business perspective, many suggestions and tools in this book can be applied to meetings. IE how to prepare, how to engage with the audience etc.
June 8, 2025
Nice, basic book for starting storytellers. Nothing terribly new, but that's okay. The only issue I have is that the author wants to file down all the rough edges of every performer, eliminating any type of uniqueness in the way he stories are told.
May 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and had simple steps to implement to become a better storyteller. It also has practical tips to implement to make your story resonate with your audience.
July 13, 2020
A manual on how to write and tell/perform stories. Nothing new here but an insightful, succinct overview of the entire process.
Read
September 1, 2020Fantastic advice on storytelling. Great explanation of the story arc: beginning, problem, failed attempt(s) to solve the problem, solution, ending.
March 10, 2021
Short and complete at the same time. An amazing book that complete his goal with excellency
July 8, 2021
A autora traz bons exemplos de como preparar um uma apresentação que envolva o público. São dicas simples, mas valiosas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews