Storytelling Resources
Explore these resources to enhance your storytelling journey! Whether you’re looking to refine a technique or dive deeper into the art, these materials are here to support your learning.
Recommended Books
The Storyteller's Secret by Carmine Gallo
Discover how the world's most powerful storytellers captivate their audiences and inspire action. This book explores storytelling techniques used by renowned figures, offering practical insights for improving your communication skills.
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
Learn why some ideas thrive while others fade away. The Heath brothers delve into the principles that make stories memorable, providing actionable advice for crafting "sticky" narratives.
The Art of Storytelling by John D. Walsh
A practical guide for storytellers at all levels, this book breaks down essential skills, from creating engaging plots to mastering delivery techniques.
The Moth Presents All These Wonders by Catherine Burns
A collection of extraordinary true stories from The Moth’s live storytelling events, offering inspiration and insight into the art of personal storytelling.
Must-Watch Videos
TED Talks on Storytelling
Engage with powerful storytelling techniques through renowned TED Talks, including Andrew Stanton’s “The Clues to a Great Story” which offers a masterclass on crafting compelling narratives and David JP Phillips, The Magical Science of Storytelling.
National Storytelling Network YouTube Channel
A treasure trove of performances, workshops, and discussions from some of the best storytellers in the world. Perfect for both inspiration and learning. https://www.youtube.com/@nationalstorytellingnetwor9205
Tejas Storytellling Association YouTube Channel
Explore videos from the annual storytelling festival and conference, featuring diverse voices and storytelling styles. Don't miss the short teaser videos and featured tellers reading stories from "40 Years of Texas Storytelling". https://www.youtube.com/@TSAFestival-ok2lx
Informative Articles
"The Science Behind Why Stories Are So Powerful" by Buffer
Understand the psychology of storytelling and its impact on human connection and memory. This article is a great starting point for appreciating the value of stories in communication.
"Storytelling in Leadership" by Harvard Business Review
Discover how leaders use storytelling to motivate teams, foster trust, and drive change. This article includes practical tips for integrating stories into leadership practices.
Blog Posts by Annette Simmons and Doug Lipman
Annette Simmons and Doug Lipman, experts in storytelling, share actionable advice on crafting narratives that resonate with audiences. These blogs offer fresh perspectives and valuable techniques.
Practice Exercises
Story Prompts
Weekly prompts designed to spark creativity and help storytellers uncover personal anecdotes and fictional ideas. Ideal for beginners and seasoned tellers alike.
Story Swap
A collaborative exercise where participants share short stories and provide constructive feedback. This activity fosters community and helps refine storytelling skills.
The Rule of Three
Practice structuring stories with a beginning, middle, and end, using the "rule of three" to create satisfying and memorable narratives.
Improv Games
Classic improvisation games with a storytelling twist, such as "Yes, And..." to develop quick-thinking and collaborative storytelling abilities.
More Books on Storytelling
Adams, K. (1990). Journal to the Sel*. New York: Warner Books.
Aipes, J. (1994). The Outspoken Princess and Gentle Knight: A Treasury of Modern Fairy Tales. New York: Bantam Books.
Baker, A., & Greene, E. (1977). Storytelling: Art and Technique. 2nd Ed. New York: R.R. Bowker.
Baldwin, C. (2005). Storycatcher: Making Sense of Our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story. Novato, CA: New World Library.
Bauer, C. (1993). New Handbook for Storytellers. Chicago: American Library Association.
Blume, J. (2015). In An Unlikely Event. New York: Alfred Knopf.
Cooper, P., & Collins, R. (1997). The Power of Story: Teaching through Storytelling. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
Davis, D. (2005). Telling Your Own Stories. Atlanta: August House.
Ellis, E. (1962). The Storytelling Framework. New York: Barnes and Noble, Inc.
Mellon, N. (1998). The Art of Storytelling. New York: Harper Collins.
Zipes, J. (1995). Creative Storytelling: Building Community, Changing Lives. New York: Routledge.
For a full list of books, please contact TSA at tsa@tejasstorytelling.com
Magazines & Periodicals
Storytelling Magazine
National Storytelling Network
P.O. Box 413014, Kansas City, MO 64141
Storytelling World
ETSU Box 70647, Johnson City, TN 37614-0647
https://www.etsu-tn.edu/stories
Tale Trader Magazine
12019 Donahue Avenue, Louisville, KY 40243
Junior Storyteller
Storycraft Publishing, P.O. Box 205, Masonville, CO 80541
The Texas Teller
Tejas Storytelling Association, Box 2806, Denton, TX 76202
https://www.tejasstorytelling.com
Storytelling Book Publishers
August House Publishers, Inc.
P.O. Box 3223, Little Rock, AR 72203-3223
Fulcrum Publishing
350 Indiana Street Suite 350, Golden, CO 80401-5093
Teacher’s Idea Press
Dept. 9910, P.O. Box 6633, Englewood, CO 80155-6633
https://openlibrary.org/publishers/Teacher_Ideas_Press
Regional & Local Storytelling Organizations
Tejas Storytelling Association
Florida Storytelling Association
https://flstory.com/membership/storytelling-groups
Seattle Storyteller’s Guild
https://www.seattlestorytellers.org
River and Prairie Storyweavers, Kansas City, MO
https://www.riverandprairiestoryweavers.org
Listen to:
The Moth
StoryCorps
The Story Voice
https://thestoryvoice.buzzsprout.com
Marfa Public Radio Storytelling
https://marfapublicradio.org/storytelling
Academic Programs in Storytelling
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
ETSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in storytelling, including a Master’s in Communication and Storytelling Studies. These programs blend traditional oral storytelling with modern communication strategies, emphasizing cultural preservation and education.
University of North Texas (UNT)
The Graduate Academic Certificate in Storytelling at UNT focuses on the art and science of storytelling in education, culture, and communication. This program is designed for educators, performers, and anyone passionate about narrative techniques.
Cornell University
Through eCornell, this Ivy League institution provides an online certificate in Strategic Storytelling. The program is ideal for professionals in marketing, leadership, and communications who want to harness the power of stories for influence and impact.
Michigan State University (MSU)
MSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Digital Storytelling prepares students to craft narratives across digital platforms. Students learn to use storytelling tools for media production, marketing, and entertainment.
St. Edward’s University
This university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Storytelling and Content Creation. Students develop skills to create interactive and engaging stories for various digital platforms, preparing them for careers in media and entertainment.
Indiana University East
Indiana University East offers an online Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Storytelling. This program focuses on combining artistic creativity with technical skills to produce professional-grade digital narratives.