Lesson 1: What is storytelling and where do I start? (M4-U2-L1)

Introduction

I’m going to tell you a story… This is something anyone can say — especially someone with many years, events, experiences, and encounters behind them.

From early childhood, we all love listening to good stories, and we try to tell them in an engaging way ourselves.

After this session, you will understand what storytelling is, what makes a good story, and where to begin when creating your own story to share online with others.

About Storytelling

What is storytelling?

Storytelling is the art of telling stories. It is a way of sharing thoughts, emotions, and experiences through narrative.

Since ancient times, people have passed on knowledge and values through fairy tales, legends, and memories.
A good story can inspire, teach, support, and unite people.

Even if you think that nothing particularly special has happened in your life – that’s not true.

Your story is your unique experience, and it can interest and support others.
That’s why it makes sense to learn how to create and share your own stories online.

Why do people love stories?

Because it’s a deeply human trait: we think about things in a way that creates context and narrative around them.
Also, good stories are easier to remember – they are more emotional and more persuasive than rational arguments, statistics, or facts.
And, above all, good stories move us, inspire us, and teach us something!

What lies at the heart of a good story?

Every good story has a structure. One simple and clear approach is the 4P rule:

People – Who is the main character of the story?
Place – Where does it take place?
Problem – What happened?
Progress – How did things change? What was the outcome?

Exercise

Format: Multiple choice with answer feedback
Instruction: Read these three short texts and choose which one is a real story.
Hint: Use the 4P rule to help you decide!

Text 1

Summer is a wonderful time of year. The days get longer, the weather gets warmer, flowers bloom, and many people enjoy spending time outdoors. During this season, there are often celebrations, festivals, and gatherings with friends.

🟡 Why it’s not a story: There is no main character, no specific event, and no development.

Text 2

On Tuesday, a new book was presented at the city library. Many people attended. Writers spoke, music played, and the audience asked questions.

🟡 Why it’s not a story: There is no main character, no personal experience, and no progression of events.

Text 3

When I became a grandfather for the first time, I felt a bit nervous – I didn’t know how to act around a newborn. But when I held my grandson in my arms, I felt calm and a strange kind of warmth. Now I look forward to seeing him every day.

🟢 Why this is a story: There is a character (me), an event (the birth of a grandson), emotions, and a change (from fear to joy).

How to start creating your own story?

Begin with a few simple questions:
– What do I want to share?
– Who am I telling my story to?
– What emotion do I want to evoke?

Start with notes or a single memory. Don’t try to make it “perfect” right away.
Write as if you’re telling a friend. The most important thing is honesty and the desire to share.

Let’s practise!

Continue the sentence below by adding 3-4 more sentences:
“Once, when I was about 18…”

Tip: You can choose a different way to start your story, for example:
“This event radically changed my life…”

Go back to the 4P rule and update or add to the beginning of your story if needed!

Summary

You already know what storytelling is, what the 4P rule means, and how to start creating your own story.

In the next sessions, we’ll explore different storytelling techniques and where you can publish your stories.

But for now, it’s the perfect time to start writing your own!