Ira Glass is an American Radio personality who has hosted and produced many radio and television series. He is the host and creator of This American Life. Glass is well-known and has influential perspective on storytelling, especially in journalism and creative non-fiction. Through his journey, he has shared valuable insights on how to become a better storyteller.
Anecdotes & Moments of Reflection
Glass states that there are two significant components to telling a story: Anecdote & Moments of Reflection.
Each story has to have building blocks that have concrete structure. These blocks are like a sequence of events in a story- one thing should lead to another. If these events are properly placed and supported, no matter how boring the story is, the audience will be able to feel forms of suspense. By raising the suspense, you have raised questions that imply to viewers or listeners that their questions will be answered later in the story.
Moments of Reflection and Anecdote must go hand-in-hand. They both compliment and support each other well when done correctly. The moment of reflection signals to viewers that there is meaning to the story. Glass mentions that good stories have pieces of action that are addressed, followed by future actions that someone in the story will discuss.
Finding Creative Stories
Glass notes that it takes time to find great, compelling stories. Often times, storytellers will have great lengths in taking the time to find stories than editing and producing the stories themselves. Also, a lot of the information, recordings, audio, videos, etc. will get cut. This results in the interview not going as planned or that the chemistry between the interviewer and interviewee became unhinged in between the moments of speaking on the phone until sitting down in-person on camera. One particular quote that Glass says that stuck with me is that you must kill the dead parts of the story so that the better parts are set up to live. Storytelling should drive one to make work that is memorable and unique to them and that their viewers would appreciate.
Rome wasn't Built in a Day
Glass notes that it takes time to find great, compelling stories. Often times, storytellers will have great lengths in taking the time to find stories than editing and producing the stories themselves. Also, a lot of the information, recordings, audio, videos, etc. will get cut. This results in the interview not going as planned or that the chemistry between the interviewer and interviewee became unhinged in between the moments of speaking on the phone until sitting down in-person on camera. One particular quote that Glass says that stuck with me is that you must kill the dead parts of the story so that the better parts are set up to live. Storytelling should drive one to make work that is memorable and unique to them and that their viewers would appreciate.
Creative Phases
When being creative, it is important to remember that not everything is going to be perfect or receive immediate success. Glass mentions that the first few years of being creative, will not always produce the juice that you envisioned when starting out. He notes that many people reach this stage of being a creative mind, hit a rough patch, and quit. To combat this phase, he challenges you instead of giving up, to double or even triple the amount of creative workload. He said one should develop a rotational work system by a weekly basis in which you are completing work. By going through this rigorous routine, you will be able to close the gap that held you from creative success.
While developing your creative abilities, one of the most important qualities a storyteller should be is authentic. Glass says that stories should be a well-balanced housing of the interviewer, interviewee, and other events and characters that fill in spaces that make up the drama. By being you, you add your own style and personality that continues to draw in attention. Most stories are filled with personalities that can be already found in the world; You should never have to double; you should be who you are, the world will appreciate that more.
