Thread by @ArmaniTalks

Coding is speaking in a language that the computer understands.

Storytelling is speaking in a language that the brain understands.

The brain doesn't like scatter

That's how a lot of people communicate. Random facts

Storytelling is about connecting the facts & THEN presenting

'Coding and storytelling are similar? But they seem so different!'

On the surface level, they are different.

One seems super technical & the other seems super creative.

But look past that.

It's pretty similar

As an engineer, one of my main roles was to code.

Had to learn all the different languages.

C++, python, java etc.

Truth?

I hated that shit

I always found it very weird when I saw my coworkers having fun.

They....enjoyed it.

Huh?? How!

One day, I decided to ask them why they liked coding so much

Their response was surprising.

'What was it?'

They viewed coding as a chance to showcase their creativity.

'But I thought coding was super technical.'

As did I

I was evaluating it from the lens of technical alone.

Which is why I hated it.

But truth be told, coding is technical when learning the fundamentals.

After practicing, it becomes a creative act.

Just like anything out there

There were 2 things about coding that stuck out.

1. Its thinking out loud.

2. Its speaking to the computer in a language that it understands so it can process the 'words' into 1s & 0s.

'Why did those 2 concepts stick out to you?'

Because it was eerily similar to storytelling.

1. Storytelling is also thinking out loud.

2. Storytelling is speaking in a language that a human brain can understand so it can process the 'words' into pictures in the mind.

Coding is for computers as what storytelling is for humans.

That's the future.

The information age is the storytellers paradise.

You have all the social media in the world to become a creator.

But you need to fix your mindset

Some people focus on the technology first.

"So what should I start...Twitter, YouTube, podcast etc ?" they ask

That's the wrong question.

Storytelling can be done thru: words (speaking, writing), images (pictures & film).

Ask yourself how you want to tell stories before asking which technology.

If you find your interests first, then the technology will present itself.

Ex:

You like just writing: then start a Twitter.

You like just speaking: then start a podcast.

You like writing & pictures: then start a blog.

You like speaking & film: then start a YouTube.

It's a game of practice.

Your first few stories are going to feel stiff.

It's going to hurt your head.

All good, that's a part of the process.

Here are a few tips to become a better storyteller

Storyteller Starter Pack:

1. Understand the fundamentals.

2. Practice the 1 minute story.

3. Read fiction.

4. Turn your life into a story.

1. Understand the fundamentals.

The first order principle of storytelling = CONNECTION OF IDEAS IN SEQUENCE.

This thread? It's a story.

But connect the ideas in a way that keeps the movie flowing

Ditch the reciting random facts mindset. Burn it to the ground

2. Practice the 1 minute story.

Practice telling a story in 1 minute or less.

All it needs are:

▪︎character
▪︎conflict
▪︎lesson

No preparation. Just pick a topic. Start the timer & go.

This builds your storytelling muscle over time.

You focus on the RELEVANT points

3. Read fiction.

You can watch fiction too.

But the reason I say read fiction is because your brain is FORCED to turn words into out of world images.

Science fiction books like Dune, Harry Potter & lord of the rings help.

Read 1 fiction book for every 5 non fiction u read

4. Turn your life into a story.

And last but not least, turn your life into a story.

The reason people feel so much anxiety is because they lack a narrative. Just day by day thinkers.

Chase a grand vision. This forces you into become the hero of your life

Then document that

In the next 5-10 years, everyone is going to make learning storytelling a super high ROI act.

Which field you in does not matter.

Storytelling is a humans innate way of communicating.

And everything you do ties back into humans one way or another

The problem is that a lot of 'teachers' tell you that you should learn to tell a story.

But they never give you any practical strategies.

They just think the skillset will fall into your lap

Reality check...it wont.

It requires intent, determination & focus

Apply the tips I provided in this thread.

Remember, a coder and a storyteller are not that different.

☆One speaks to computers.

☆One speaks to humans.

But the core principles are more alike than different

Learn to tell stories.

Learn to spread your message around the globe.

Leave an impact

For more practical storytelling strategies, subscribe to my YouTube channel👇

youtube.com/channel/UCom1I…