I am learning how to tell a good story. I didn’t think this was something that I was ever really going to learn how to do. I didn’t know it was an art form that could be learned. You always hear about how art isn’t something that can be learned; you’re an artist or you’re not. You take an art class and you do well in it, or you don’t. Storytelling is definitely my weakness. I have lots of witty quips, but nothing very substantial.

So, this is what Ira Glass taught me:

• There are two basic building blocks in storytelling: anecdotes, and raising a question.

Uhm, WUT? You don’t need to have a big vocabulary? You don’t have to have a topic sentence or supporting evidence like we all learned in high school? No, the most essential part of good storytelling is having a series of events, and having a question to ask about this sequence of events. Sure, the story is better, the more action you have, or the more interesting people that you meet along the way, but if you aren’t raising a question, or giving the listener a moment of catharsis, or reflection that they desire in a story, then the facts of the story don’t really matter. I need to test this theory out.

• Finding a good story is more important that actually editing the story.

I’m getting the point. You have to be ruthless in your storytelling endeavors. You have to put yourself out there. And know that sometimes you are going to fail. You’re not just going to stumble on a good story. You have to “put yourself in a situation where you can get lucky.” Because a good story doesn’t just fall into your lap; it is made–from a feeling that you get when you find it, to the propping up of the story that you have to do at each stage. Make your listeners think from the facts that you are given. What is the question that you want to leave them thinking about?

• You have good enough taste that you are disappointed in what you are making.

If you feel like you are falling short of the creativity that you aspire to achieve, then you are en route to success. Don’t give up. In fact, do the opposite; do as much work as you can. The work that you do will be as good as your ambitions. I’m not sure I entirely agree with this. My theory has always been if you feel burnt out from something, take a break from it. Come back to it later. Maybe that’s where I fall short? So, here’s to doing as much work as I can. Here’s to fighting my way through to the other side, to a better me.

• Two common errors made by beginners: trying to talk like someone that you have seen in the media & talking about yourself too much.

Rather, talk like yourself and be interested in other people. People aren’t interested in just you and your take on things, but seeing how you interact with others. This seems fairly simple. Be a good listener, that makes you a good story teller.

Which brings me to Jad Abumrad’s point:

• We’re not just telling a story to someone, we are telling a story with someone.

I might be saying the words, but those who are listening are holding the metaphorical paintbrush, and painting their own picture. In this way, storytelling is empowered by the absence of pictures. Thus, empathy is created by “filling this gap of picturelessness together.” (I love the way he said that.)

So, who’s tryna’ get funky and tell a good story with me?