How to tell a story: the essential guide to memorable storytelling from The moth

part 1. Everyone has a story

part 2. Developing your story

part 3. Telling your story.

Foreword / Padma Lakshmi

Introduction / Chenjerai Kumanyika

Part 1: Everyone has a story. Welcome to the Moth. Why "The Moth"? ; Why true stories? ; What happens when we listen

No notes, no net. Your very own Moth director ; The rules we play by ; Everyone has a story - yes Evelyn, even you

Developing your story. Mining for memories. You are the main character ; The kickoff ; Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes ; Decisions, decisions ; Look for the ouch

The foundation. Stakes ; Anecdote vs. story ; A big little story ; Finding your arc ; Your one sentence

The materials. Narrative stepping stones ; Finding the scenes ; Details ; Backstory ; Up and over

Magnifying the emotion. Humor ; Are you ready to tell your story? ; Telling stories about people who have died

- Structuring your story. Chronological ; The flashback ; The callback as framing ; When a smaller story carries the weight of a larger story ; Choosing a unique lens

Beginnings and endings. And...action! ; Coming in for a landing

Telling your story. From page to stage. Memorization vs. familiarization ; Say it out loud ; Notes on delivery

All the world's a stage. Nerves ; Who is your audience

The power of story. The ripple effect. Stories in school ; Stories at work ; Stories with family ; Stories in the world

Listening. Stories as antidote ; Stories evoke reflection

Afterword / Sarah Haberman.