Summary: I’m delighted to bring you these insights from renowned storyteller P.W. Fenton. He publishes the award-winning Digital Flotsam podcast, among others, and has a long history as a broadcast engineer, actor, photographer, musician, songwriter and video producer. I’ve learned a lot about telling stories from listening to P.W., and I hope you will too. You can listen to the podcast now with the player above or download it to listen later. Or subscribe to this podcast in iTunes using the link at the top of this page. Here are the shownotes: 00:01 Introduction and welcome; how I was first introduced to P.W. via Shel Holtz on the For Immediate Release: Hobson and Holtz podcast 01:55 About P.W. Fenton 03:20 How P.W. Fenton became a storyteller 05:05 Early influences on P.W., including radio, particularly Jean Shepherd 07:05 Keys to a good story: beginning, middle, end; start by doing something to get the listener interested; narrate in a way that keeps the interest going and that anticipates the ending and supports your conclusion; need to experience your own story as a listener. 08:44 P.W. has lived all of his stories; the best stories come from our own experiences. 09:58 How P.W. produces Digital Flotsam; the importance of editing. 12:07 P.W. has to enjoy his own stories. 12:35 P.W. shares advice about the art and craft of storytelling; the importance of reading and listening to stories and finding your own voice. 13:40 Advantages of audio storytelling vs. written storytelling; much easier to convey intent with spoken words; must write for your own voice and work to your strengths; difficulty of attempting to put P.W.’s own stories into a book. 16:37 My insights about relevance of P.W.’s comments to storytelling in a business context: Enjoy your own stories; listen to others’ stories; structure counts; best stories come from your everyday experiences. 18:27 Reminder to visit P.W.’s website and Digital Flotsam 18:35 Your comments are welcome; where to send comments: Email: donna AT trafcom DOT com, or comment below. Theme music is "Beneath Your Surface" by the Elisabeth Lohninger Quartet from Music Alley.
