Storytelling for Podcasters: Simple and Effective Tips To Follow

Before we dive into storytelling, we have a couple of questions for you: What’s the last story you shared with someone? Or, when did you last recount a tale? Can you remember your last conversation that didn’t include an anecdote?

The truth is stories are always around us from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep and dream.

Storytelling is at the heart of our daily lives since waaaay back to 36,000 years ago. Essentially, when the Earth was in the midst of the Ice Age (c-c-c-razy, right?).
From ancient myths and legends, to fairytales and fables, to (you guessed it) modern-day podcasts, we always use stories to make sense of the world around us.

Did you know that research has shown the human mind is approximately 22 times more likely to remember facts when presented in the form of a story? Additionally, a compelling story can increase conversions in marketing by a mindblowing 30%.  

Despite the different mediums and genres, one thing remains constant. People have always been hooked by a good story. As such, your podcast should be no different. In this blog, we provide our top tips for mastering the art of storytelling in your podcast, ensuring that your listeners are engaged from start to finish.

Storytelling Tips

Start your story with a strong hook.

The first few seconds of your podcast are critical for grabbing your listener’s attention. It will also set the tone for the rest of the episode. So, you need to start with a strong opening that will pique the interest of your listeners and, in tune with this, keep them interested. Try leaving a question out in the open that you’ll answer at the end, a surprising fact to stop them in their tracks, or even a straightforward statement that sets the stage for the story you’re about to tell.

Make sure your podcast story has a compelling narrative

A well-crafted narrative is ket to captivating your audience. No-one wants to listen to a crisp and engaging first liner to be followed by erms, arrs, and uncertainties for an unplanned podcast.

So, it’s essential to take the time to plan and structure your podcast  before recording. This ensures your podcast flows naturally and keeps your audience engaged.  This doesn’t mean you have to read off a script during the podcast. If anything, this is best to avoid! However, having some reminder structure notes near can help you hit the mark every time.

Keep your storytelling at a conversational tone

By being your genuine and authentic self, you will open a space to connect with your audience more personally. This will then help you build trust and loyalty towards your podcast. Of course, this tone can vary depending on the topic discussed or whether this podcast is for personal or business purposes, but the underlying factor should be that you be yourself.

End with a strong conclusion

Just like the beginning, the ending of your podcast is crucial. It’s vital to provide your audience with a sense of closure to avoid any disappointment. From a powerful quote, to addressing the question posed in the introduction, or even a call to action, we strongly recommend!

We hope these tips will help you reach your podcasting happily ever after.

Did you find this article useful? We’d love to know!