By: Jack Peterson
Storytelling is one of humanity’s most ancient and powerful tools, shaping culture, communication, and connection across generations. Doug O’Brien, a life coach and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist, delves into the nuances of this art in his book The User’s Guide to Storytelling. In this exclusive interview, O’Brien shares insights into what inspired him to write the book, the universal power of stories, and practical steps for anyone looking to become a confident storyteller.
When asked what led him to write The User’s Guide to Storytelling, O’Brien recalls his lifelong fascination with the power of stories. As a life coach and hypnotherapist, he has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that well-crafted narratives can have on individuals.
“The power of stories has always enthralled me, and I have used them greatly in my practice,” O’Brien says. “Several years ago, a colleague and I began teaching storytelling classes. Initially, we focused on using stories for therapeutic purposes, but the classes quickly evolved into something much broader—telling stories for the sheer joy of it.”
As musicians, both O’Brien and his colleague sought to create engaging, interactive lessons that allowed students to develop storytelling skills dynamically and hands-only. “We wanted our students to experience storytelling as more than an intellectual exercise. We designed activities that allowed them to feel the rhythm and impact of a well-told tale.”
In today’s fast-paced world, storytelling has become an essential skill in both business and personal communication. When asked why storytelling holds such influence in these spheres, O’Brien offers a simple yet profound explanation.
“Because businesspeople are people too,” he says with a chuckle. “Storytelling is universal. It’s how the human brain works.”
O’Brien highlights a key section in his book that focuses on using storytelling in business communication. “One of my favorite examples comes from a friend who teaches corporate storytelling. A great story captures an audience’s imagination, making them engaged and invested in what’s being shared. When you can weave a compelling narrative into a business presentation, it transforms what could have been a dry, forgettable experience into something memorable and meaningful.”
He emphasizes that storytelling allows professionals to move beyond charts and data, fostering an emotional connection that makes information more digestible and persuasive. “People don’t just remember facts—they remember how those facts made them feel.”
A compelling story is more than just a series of events; it follows a structure that ensures engagement and emotional impact. According to O’Brien, this structure typically includes:
- Beginning: Introduce the character and their circumstances.
- Inciting Incident: A pivotal event that sets the story in motion.
- Rising Action: The protagonist encounters challenges and moves toward the climax.
- Point of No Return: The most intense, suspenseful moment.
- Main Event/Climax: The turning point or resolution of the conflict.
- Resolution: The story concludes, showing a change or transformation.
However, O’Brien notes that a rigid adherence to this framework isn’t always necessary. “Even if a story doesn’t follow this exact structure, it should still have a beginning, middle, and end where something has changed. That change is what makes a story impactful.”
Many people believe storytelling is an innate talent, but O’Brien insists it is a learnable skill. For those looking to improve their storytelling abilities, he offers a few simple first steps:
- Find a storyteller you admire. “Listen to their stories repeatedly. Absorb their style, their pacing, their emphasis.”
- Practice by telling existing stories. “Try retelling their stories to a friend. See how it feels to bring a narrative to life.”
- Learn and tell good jokes. “Jokes have a natural storytelling arc and are a great way to practice delivering a punchline.”
- Edit mercilessly. “One of the biggest mistakes beginner storytellers make is trying to include every detail. A good story focuses on the important aspects and gets to ‘the point’—the main event.”
O’Brien encourages beginners to experiment with different storytelling techniques and to embrace the learning process. “The more you tell stories, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.”
In professional settings, there’s often a need to balance storytelling with factual information. When asked how professionals can maintain credibility while also fostering emotional connections, O’Brien emphasizes that authenticity is key.
“Just because a story follows a dramatic structure doesn’t mean it isn’t factual,” he explains. “In fact, honesty and factual accuracy make stories more compelling. The emotional connection comes from being genuine and forthright.”
He stresses that compelling storytelling doesn’t mean exaggeration or manipulation. Instead, it’s about presenting information that resonates on a human level. “Numbers and data have their place, but if you can frame those facts within a story, your audience is far more likely to engage with and remember them.”
Doug O’Brien’s The User’s Guide to Storytelling is a testament to the transformative power of stories. Whether in business, personal relationships, or creative expression, storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to captivate, connect, and communicate.
For those eager to refine their storytelling skills, O’Brien’s advice is clear: listen to great storytellers, practice often, and focus on the essence of each story rather than drowning in unnecessary details. With time and dedication, anyone can harness the power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and engage their audience.
As O’Brien succinctly puts it, “Storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower.”
Get a copy of The User’s Guide to Storytelling today.
Published by Anne C.
