enteRETAINment

Richard Garriott Part 1: Interactive Storytelling

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with the legendary video game programmer and designer, Richard Garriott to discuss how he uses storytelling in his profession. Richard created the extremely successful Ultima computer game series as well as Ultima Online which was the first large scale commercial “massively multi-player online game” (MMOG). He recently launched the MMOG Tabula Rasa and is training to become Earth's sixth private citizen to conduct a space mission aboard the International Space Station (visit his space mission website). In this first of a series of video clips from our meeting, Richard discusses interactive storytelling and linear narrative as well as the importance of paying attention to storycraft.

 

What is Storytelling by Storytellers?

Storytelling for Storytellers is a project that I recently began in an effort to learn how experts in a variety of professions use storytelling.  My goal is to have them share the processes and techniques they use as well as any tips they may have. This series will ongoing and mixed in with regular posts. Enjoy!

Face to Face Communications

While at Learning 2007 a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting in on Arch Lustberg's session on Face to Face Communication/Presenting. Arch is still going strong at 83 and he sets the bar high for storytellers. His session had the audience completely engaged, roaring with laughter and at the end giving a standing ovation. Here are some of his key points and tips along with links to video clips from Arch's website:

• Become a storyteller (not jokes). Tell stories from your life.
• Don't try to impress with your competence or skill. Just be yourself, be the audience's best friend.
• Likability wins! In a conversation or presentation your mind shows your competence on the subject, your face whether or not you are likable.
  • A closed face (tight, scrunched up eyebrows) means either angry, deep in thought or worried and the other party always assumes anger.
  • Open face (big eyes, raised eyebrows, smile) is key to likability.
• Say little . . . Brilliantly!
• Simple + Brief + Clear + Concise = Easy to Understand
• Silent pauses work! Learn how to pause. Remain silent but keep eye contact with an open face.
  • Many people are afflicted with "intellectual dysentery"  sounds flow out of their mouths with no control . . . ahh, like, ok, you know.
  • Sometimes eye to eye contact is uncomfortable, look for other location such as mouth, nose, etc.
  • Rhythm of eye contact - your mouth should never be moving when your eyes are down or up or looking at any inanimate object.
• Simplify the message. Avoid jargon.
  
  • If using a word that some people may not understand use it in a way that describes the word.
  • Use simple words (we think big words make us seem impressive).
• You are most impressive when you are expressive!
• Speak with pride and enthusiasm.
• Be honest, positive and caring.
• If the question presented to you is hostile, think of how it would be phrased by a decent human being.
• Best presentations are given by a performer (not an actor). A performer shows himself at his best.

Arch summarizes using a Chinese Proverb . . . “Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.”