How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth

by Meg Bowles

In the movie of your life, what are some scenes that you’ll never forget? Tell us about your first kiss. Your first love? Your first heartbreak? What is the greatest challenge that you’ve overcome? When have you felt certainty in your relationships, a choice you’ve made, or your work? Tell me about a moment of regret. What were your favorite moments from growing up? Do you remember when ____? What is something that you want to be remembered for? Tell me about a risk you wish you’d taken. What was it like the first time you set foot in the city you now call home? Tell us about a time you were proud of yourself. Tell me about the one who got away. What was it like when we first met? What happened? Tell us about the first time you hosted a family meal. Tell me about your favorite holiday memory. When has someone saved you with a great piece of advice? When did you share something you kept secret for a long time? How do you want your story to end? What is an object you hold dear? How did you come to have it? What was a typical day like when you were three, thirteen, thirty-three, ninety-three…?