With the growth of shows like The Moth, and This American Life, true storytelling is more popular than ever. Whether you’re at the bar or in the boardroom – everyone has a story to tell.

In this talk Kevin Allison (founder of The Story Studio, RISK! and former member of The State) and Christopher Castiglione (RISK! producer and UX product designer) will teach you the skills to wow a crowd with your story.

You’ll learn how to select compelling story topics, use the “five beat” structure to build suspense, and tap into the larger thematic meaning of your ideas. We’ll apply our storytelling skills to themes that will come in handy the next time you are pitching your innovative new product, describing your business model, or just chatting up that “special person” at a SXSW after-party.

This talk encourages audience participation: during the talk audience everyone will be given the opportunity to apply our storytelling techniques to one of their own stories. A few audience members will be given the opportunity to share aspects of their story live on stage, and receive criticism so that we all can learn together.

Each participant will leave with a 3-minute story that builds upon the principals taught during the talk. Using techniques adopted from improv and sketch comedy – you’ll learn how to craft a story that your audience will remember long after you have gone.