If you're reading this, I'm guessing you've heard of Taylor Swift. It's virtually impossible not to know who she is in this digital world. Last I checked, Taylor has won 14 Grammys, 40 AMAs, 39 Billboard Music Awards, and 23 VMAs. Her Eras tour was the first music event to surpass $1 Billion in revenue. That last one is a Guinness World Record!
I'll get to the point.
Storytelling takes many forms: speaking, singing, dancing, writing, painting, etc
The common link between these forms of storytelling is the art of connection. No matter their chosen art form, these artists connect deeply and emotionally to the audience. They take the audience on a personal journey.
At this moment, Taylor Swift is the queen of storytelling in the music industry. Her songwriting is on a higher level than the rest.
Taylor embraces her life story and shares it intimately with her fans. That's part of the reason why she has millions of superfans worldwide.
I studied her 2022 hit Anti-Hero and summarized 7 universal lessons on the secret art of storytelling.
I'll unpack them one by one.
The Seven Secrets of Storytelling
The power of imagery and metaphors: Leverage the power of visuals. Paint a vivid picture in your audience's mind. The best way to capture attention is to make your words come alive. Doing so pulls your audience in closer.
➡️ When my depression works the graveyard shift
➡️ I wake up screaming from dreaming
➡️ Like a monster on a hill
Vulnerability as a strength: People often perceive vulnerability as a weakness, but this is far from the truth. The best leaders and storytellers have courage to be vulnerable about their flaws. This makes you authentic. It fosters empathy and understanding.
➡️ I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser
➡️ I should not be left to my own devices
➡️ I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
Self-reflection and awareness: Self-awareness plays a key role in personal development. Once aware of your shortcomings and mistakes, you can take steps toward growing as a leader. Remember, a great storyteller always has a lesson to share with the audience.
➡️ It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
➡️ All of the people I've ghosted stand there in the room
Conflict that builds suspense: Every story needs conflict that drives up the level of suspense and intrigue. The main character, whether in a song, story, or book must face a struggle. Without it, the story can be dull. The conflict can be internal (inner thoughts) or external (someone does something to you).
➡️ One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving
➡️ And life will lose all its meaning
➡️ I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money
Symbolism that adds depth: What is the hidden meaning of your story? You want the audience to remember this part of the story the most. Are you avoiding the truth about yourself? Do you believe that people should get second chances?
➡️ l stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
➡️ Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby and I'm a monster on the hill
Surfacing societal issues: Great storytellers like Taylor add subtle commentary on societal issues to prompt people to reflect on topics. Why is it that we do or act in certain ways?
➡️ Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism
➡️ It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
Emotional Relatability: Although your story is specific to you, it has the power to touch someone on an emotional level. People like to know specifics. When you speak in generalities, it does not feel as real. The specificity also engages the audience's brain to a greater degree and helps as they mirror your experiences in their mind. To learn more about the science of storytelling, please read my earlier blog post.
➡️ I wake up screaming from dreaming
➡️ Pierced through the heart, but never killed
➡️ And life will lose all its meaning
I'd be interested to know, are you a Swifty?
David Ghodsizadeh is the founder and storytelling coach at Storytelling 4 Success.
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