Storyshowing: How to Stand Out from the Storytellers

The power of story is indisputable; the power of showing is transformational

Stories have the power to inspire, influence and motivate, but why do so many great stories fail to deliver on this promise? Often, the problem is not the story, but the way it is told. Storyshowing challenges the way we think about and use stories in our businesses, organisations and campaigns and shows how to change your approach to the art of influence—for the better.

Inside, you′ll learn how to use your own experiences, emotions and vulnerability to build a connection with your audience and take them on a journey that will ultimately lead to action.

Discover the key to:

If you want your stories to lead to action, it′s time to stop telling them and to start showing them.

About the author ix

Acknowledgements xi

Introduction: I told you so! xiii

1 So why are stories important? 1

2 Beginning, middle and end 13

3 Giving structure to your story 29

4 The toggle 43

5 Building your content 51

6 Stand up and show your story 65

7 From average to outstanding 83

8 The four disrupters of the speaking industry 93

9 The future of story 101

10 Show, don’t tell 111

Conclusion: How telling then showing helped me 123

References 131

SAM CAWTHORN is a bestselling author, a speaker and an award–winning educator who reaches over 100 million people every year. He is the CEO of Speakers Institute and a Young Australian of the Year. Sam resides in Sydney with his wife Kate and their three children.