Van Neistat knows how to do his craft extremely well. That craft is being able to tell interesting stories through visual form, make videos that challenge people’s way of thinking, and provide educational content for all. His recent video, Van Neistat’s Guide to Master Storytelling is just brilliant and struck me at the right time during my need to write a blog post. His story is very inspiring and I have wanted to highlight him on my blog so I am going to summarize and highlight the points I took from his storytelling video.
A story that doesn’t contain a surprise is not a story, it is a report.
Writing a story is a struggle. It is never easy to put together a cohesive storyline that makes sense and holds the listener/reader’s attention. It takes time and skill.
What makes a great storyteller is this ability to hold this surprise over the reader’s head. As a result, the story can contain minute details, facts, and run on a bit because you have gained the listener’s attention and interest. You can embellish, you might have to fudge the facts, and the chronology might be thrown off, yet the humanity of the story will be apparent.
Never let the facts get in the way of a great story
Storytellers are sensitive people. They are honest in the way they show and describe their life. They allow others to be placed in their scenario where they can visualize, connect, and feel what they were feeling.
The Best Fact in the Entire Video: “A story, in its essence, is a model that connects us to the human experience.” - Van Neistat
Fact #6 will now live in the bio of my photography account as a reminder of the true essence of a story. I hope to keep perfecting my craft as a storyteller, allowing myself the time to improve and hoping that storytelling will become my job in the future.
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