The Storytelling Hero
Speaking for Powerful Communication
1. Edition March 2023
192 Pages, Softcover
General Reading
Further versions
"Full of practical steps that everyone can use to become a compelling storyteller."
--Steve Pierce, Deputy Managing Director and Chief HR Oficer, Hitachi, Europe
"Raw and actionable, but with a dreamer's heart, 'The Storytelling Hero' helps even the most reluctant presenter find their voice, while Stew Bewley weaves through his own story to help us think carefully about message and motivation, humanity and heroes."
--Aimee Riordan, Senior Communications Manager and reader, writer, storyteller at Microsoft
Make your next speech one to remember
With expert guidance from veteran public speaking coach Stewart Bewley, you'll discover how to gain the confidence needed to become a phenomenal public speaker. Using simple tools and techniques you can apply every time you speak to a group or an individual, The Storytelling Hero will show you how to:
* Eliminate self-limiting beliefs that hold you back
* Find the confidence you need to command a room
* Establish a memorable and impressive presence
* Improve your cadence, rhythm and style
* Connect with your next audience
Transform your ability to communicate your ideas, capture attention, and make a positive impression. The Storytelling Hero shows you how to hold an audience in the palm of your hand, one actionable step at a time.
Act I the Beginning 1
Scene 1 Storytelling. It's a Powerful Thing 3
My Story 6
Scene 2 Speaking in Short Sentences 12
Present Tense 13
Scene 3 Enter the Gremlin 17
The Storytelling Heroes 21
Act II Leaping off the Cliff 27
Scene 1 Rewriting the Script 29
'I Am' 30
Scene 2 Using Your Body and Your Voice 34
Breathing 37
Voice 40
Scene 3 Picture, Headline, Detail 46
Picture 48
Headline 52
Detail 56
The Graduation 60
Act III Approaching the Dragon's Lair 67
Scene 1 Listen Out 69
The Superpower of Listening 70
Scene 2 Channelling Your Adrenaline 76
1. Look the Stallion in the Eye 77
2. Make Ridiculous Rules 79
3. Create New Rules 81
Scene 3 Approaching the Dragon: Creating Your Hero's Journey Story 87
Your Hero's Journey 88
Act IV the Road Back 99
Scene 1 Becoming Brilliant at Telling Your Story 101
Advanced Posture Exercises 103
Scene 2 Telling More Stories 106
Scene 3 Presenting in the Business World 110
Act V Resurrection 117
Scene 1 The Hero's Journey with A Twist: Calling Your Audience to Action 119
The Trucking Wise Mentor 120
Scene 2 Rocket Fuel Exercises: Bringing Energy to Your Presentations 126
From Kids' Presenter to Whisperer to New Normal 126
Portals, Pictures and the Curse of Knowledge 127
Scene 3 The Silver Screen: Showing Up on Camera 130
Practice Makes Permanent 133
Scene 4 The Closing Scene: Reflecting on Your Storytelling Skills 137
The New Standard 139
You're Ready 143
Epilogue: Frequently Asked Questions 145
Acknowledgements 157
About the Author 161
Index 163
