⏳ Hourglass Technique: Unleash the true potential of your stories

Ft. Christopher Walken

This monologue from Christopher Walken, may well change the way you tell stories for good.

It is a perfect demonstration of the Hourglass Technique and it works like this…

At the height of your story, grind everything to a halt.

Often the difference between a good storyteller and a great storyteller is their ability to create a sense of anticipation or tension.

They’re able to create a moment in the story where the audience is hanging off every word.

That moment where you hear a pin drop. Have a watch of this…🍿

Notice how he…

  1. Got a little wordy 🗣️

  2. Used shorter sentences 📏

  3. Added extra detail 🎨

  4. Made us wait 🐌

  5. Drop his voice down to a whisper 🤫

And then, he released the tension by doing the exact opposite.

He sped up time by using long, piercing sentences; delivering them with the energy to match.

The difference between the great storytellers and everyone else?

The realisation that they have the power to travel in time.

They can speed it up,

Slow it down...

And even, make it...

Stop.

The next time you want to create a real wow factor with your story, give it a try!

Alex

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