Unlocking Podcast Success: Enhancing Storytelling and Episode Structure
In the world of podcasting, storytelling is your key to success. It does not matter what subject your podcast is about; even business podcasts are telling stories. So, whether you're just starting or looking to take your podcast to the next level, understanding the art of storytelling and episode structure is essential. The GOAT of storytelling is Freeman Tilden.
While Freeman Tilden may not be a household name, his insights into effective communication and engagement are universally applicable to any topic. Tilden's six principles were originally crafted for interpreters in parks and museums but can be broadened to enhance the narrative quality and structure of your podcast episodes. We’ll walk through each of his 6 principles and give you advice on how you can apply them to your podcast to level up your storytelling.
The best podcasts have some sort of planning ahead of time. With this in mind, we strongly suggest you preplan episodes. All episodes need to allow for some improv on the fly, but planning and putting thought in to episodes ahead of time allows you to be intentional and apply these 6 principles. We challenge you to take your next 5 episodes and really put thought, planning and these 6 principles to them and see the results!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the Curiosity Team. But be warned, this has long been a hyper-focus of Katy’s. So if you end up talking to her about it…block off your calendar for the day…or month.
Tilden’s 6 Principles and How They Apply To You:
1) "Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts. Any art is in some degree teachable."
Read that last sentence again. And again. And again. "Any art is, to some degree, teachable." It takes practice, but if storytelling is teachable, it's learnable. While some people may seem like natural storytellers compared to others, everyone is able to learn and improve their storytelling skills. Think of a great story you've heard someone tell when you were a kid, or a coworker, or on TV. What made it memorable? The content itself is important; however, a great story has a lot of elements that most listeners don't even realize go into it. Think of storytelling as an experience. Traditional communication is very directional. Throw a wet paper towel at a wall and hope it sticks. Storytelling, however, should be engaging. It brings in other senses, emotions, feelings, and it's intentional in bringing all of these elements together to create an experience for the listener. Bringing in all of these elements sounds like a lot of work. But as you practice, it will start to become second nature.
Podcasting Tips for Principle #1:
Go over the 6 principles with your next 5 podcast episodes and look for ways to apply the principles to the episodes.
Experiment with creating an experience. Add sound effects, music, and guest interviews. It does not need to be over the top. A cut in the middle with a little jingle just to give your listener a brain break can go a long way.
Use visual elements where appropriate, such as on your website or social media. Not only is this a great way to push traffic to your website, but it allows the listener to visualize with you in the moment.
2) "Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is being displayed or described to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile."
This is by far the biggest mistake we see young podcasts make. What is the theme of your podcast? What is the message of each episode?
A theme is the subject of your podcast but it should speak to your podcast’s goals. Don’t have set goals for your podcast? Now is the time to create them. Having goals keeps you moving towards something. Without a goal, a podcast ends up stalling and not progressing.
A message is the single single most important thing that a listener learns
Your podcast should resonate with your audience on a personal level:
Understand your listeners' interests and experiences.
Relate your topics to universal human emotions and experiences.
Encourage feedback and interaction to tailor your content to your audience's preferences.
3) "Information does not equal interpretation, but all interpretation contains information."
This principle is about telling the difference between two things: information and interpretation. Information is just facts and data. Interpretation is when you take those facts and make them meaningful and interesting by showing what they really mean. So, information and interpretation are like two different pieces of the same puzzle.
This is a common pitfall we observe among young podcasters, which we refer to as "fact spitting." Many hosts, fueled by their passion for the topic, tend to ramble and unload every piece of information they possess about the subject matter. Unfortunately, this approach often confuses listeners, makes content hard to follow, and results in an inability to retain any information. So, how can you create memorable episodes? By incorporating themes and messages.
What is the theme of your podcast? What is the message of each episode? Both of these serve as the common threads running through all your podcast episodes, website content, and social media posts.
A theme represents the general concept or key idea of your podcast, aligning with your podcast's goals. If you haven't defined clear goals for your podcast, now is the time to establish them. Goals provide direction and prevent your podcast from stagnating.
A message is the single most important idea that a listener should take away after tuning in to your podcast episode. In essence a message should be your theme in action. It's distinct from a topic and should answer key questions: Why should I care? What's the overall purpose of the episode? Is it specific and intriguing?
Example 1:
Theme: Effective business leadership
Message: Fostering trust and clear communication can revolutionize your leadership style and transform your team's performance.
Example 2:
Theme: Unraveling true crime mysteries
Message: Justice reveals the complexities of the human psyche and the enduring search for truth.
We've previously covered writing effective messages in a separate blog post, which you can read here. We highly recommend visiting that post and practicing message writing for your upcoming five episodes.
Podcast Tips for Principle #3:
Identify your podcast goals: Begin by defining your podcast's goals, serving as a guide for your content creation journey.
Practice writing messages: For your next five episodes, ensure that each one has a well-crafted and impactful message. For more guidance on writing effective messages, refer to this blog post.
4) "The chief aim of Interpretation is not instruction, but provocation."
This principle may be one of the most important ones. It highlights a fundamental shift in the approach to podcasting. Instead of inundating your audience with facts, the goal is to ignite their curiosity and provoke thought, ultimately inspiring them to take action. In podcasting, the objective is not merely to instruct but to incite a sense of wonder and motivation.
If you're not sure where to start with this one, we've already given you a good head start! At The Curiosity Network, we have what is called the Curiosity Criteria. Everything we do at The Curiosity Network aligns with these three criteria, as it forms the core of our mission! Podcasters can transform their shows into episodes that not only inform but also inspire, motivating their audience to explore, grow, and take meaningful actions.
The Curious Criteria:
Inspire people to discover more: Foster curiosity by encouraging your listeners to explore further, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding.
Motivate others to grow: Provide knowledge, insights, and skills that empower your audience to develop and grow.
Empower individuals to take action: Offer content that motivates individuals to embrace their authentic selves and take meaningful actions in their lives.
Podcasting Tips for Principle #4:
Start with an attention-grabbing hook: Begin your podcast with a compelling introduction that captures your listeners' interest from the outset.
Pose thought-provoking questions: Encourage reflection and engagement by asking questions that stimulate critical thinking and discussion.
Create content for reflection and interaction: Craft episodes that invite your audience to delve deeper into the subject matter, ask questions, and interact with your content."
5) "Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part."
This principle underscores the importance of providing a complete and comprehensive perspective within the realm of podcasting. Instead of offering isolated pieces of information haphazardly, effective podcasting aims to engage the listener with larger interconnected ideas. While some niche podcasts may delve into details, those details should still support the bigger picture of the overall story, your message.
In podcast creation, this principle emphasizes the importance of delivering a cohesive and comprehensive narrative. When discussing a topic or theme, maintain focus throughout the episode, presenting a well-rounded understanding. Additionally, it encourages the development of overarching themes that unify episodes, providing a complete and engaging narrative for your podcast.
Podcast Tips for Principle #5:
Define your overarching theme: Identify a central theme that defines your podcast series and aligns with your mission.
Ensure episode contributions: Make sure each episode enhances your overarching theme for a cohesive narrative.
Use program themes and sub-themes: Organize content with program themes and sub-themes for structured, engaging delivery."
6) "Interpretation addressed to children should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. To be at its best, it will require a separate program.”
This principle emphasizes that when creating content for children, it should not merely be water down adult-oriented material but should adopt a distinct approach tailored to young audiences.
In a broader sense, this concept is summed up in a phrase you'll hear throughout The Curiosity Network: "There is no such thing as a general audience." Whether you're developing a social media post or a podcast episode, the key is to identify your target audience. It's not enough to say, "It's for anyone interested" or "It's for everyone." Instead, ask yourself, "Who is my podcast really for?" Be specific and don't hesitate to narrow it down. Your true audience will find you.
Many novice podcasters believe that casting a wide net will attract more listeners and offer greater growth opportunities. However, this approach is where they often go wrong. With over 460 million podcast listeners worldwide, you don't need to target all of them. In fact, you won’t be able to. It's far better to have a devoted and engaged audience of a thousand listeners than five thousand who only partially engage and then move on, never returning to your website or listening to another episode.
Identify your audience and tailor your episodes and messages to cater specifically to them. The more your content is designed for a particular audience, the more it resonates, engages, and fosters loyal listeners, customers, and supporters.
Podcast Tips for Principle #6:
Identify your audience: Determine who you are genuinely trying to reach. Who would benefit the most from listening to your content? Who is most likely to return repeatedly to support your brand or business?
Craft analogies and examples: Ensure that your analogies and examples align with your audience's perspectives and experiences. Even if you're discussing complex topics, if your identified audience consists of professionals in your podcast's field, it's acceptable to delve into more intricate details. Complexity can resonate with professionals.
In the ever-evolving world of podcasting, intentional storytelling is the key to standing out. Over the next five episodes of your podcast, challenge yourself to incorporate these principles into your pre-planning process. With these tools at your disposal, you'll have the power to captivate, inspire, and transform through storytelling. Embrace the art of podcasting with newfound wisdom, allowing your stories to resonate, motivate, and leave a lasting impact on your listeners.
Feeling overwhelmed or in need of more support?
Take your podcasting journey to the next level with Curious University's Podcasting Masterclass. This transformative 6-week virtual course is designed for aspiring podcasters, whether you're a complete beginner or have a start and ready to really step up your game. Guided by industry professionals, you'll learn to turn your ideas into fully produced podcasts, gaining invaluable insights and honing your skills.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers everything from selecting compelling topics and structuring successful shows to mastering storytelling, recording techniques, and effective marketing strategies. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to bring your podcasting vision to life.
Join the Podcasting Masterclass at Curious University today and set your podcasting dreams in motion, regardless of your background. Our small class sizes ensure you receive the assistance and guidance you need throughout your podcasting journey. Apply these principles, embark on a journey of storytelling excellence, and sign up for the Podcasting Masterclass to unleash your full podcasting potential.
