171. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2

Make your audience a part of the story. Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers, and stand-up comedians, these masters of engagement know that true connection happens when you make your audience a part of the story. In part two of this special series on storytelling, host Matt Abrahams explores the art of audience connection with an extraordinary lineup. For magician Alex Moffat , it’s about immersive performance. “How can I get the audience to not [just] sit there watching? They've got to be able to feel it too,” he says. As TikTok's head of creator marketing, Kudzi Chikumbu says authenticity is everything. "Be your authentic self. Show yourself in a way that other people don't." And for standup comedian Orlando Leyba , it’s about leveraging presence and responsiveness to transform a performance into a genuine conversation. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , discover how these engagement experts create stories that don't just inform or entertain — they forge genuine connections with every audience member. Episode Reference Links: Alex Moffat Kudzi Chikumbu Orlando Leyba Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your Career Ep.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged Connect: Premium Signup >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:25) - Linear vs. Nonlinear Storytelling (05:51) - Tools for Engaging an Audience (09:16) - Key Ingredients of a Good Story (11:05) - Authenticity in Storytelling (13:27) - Description in Storytelling (13:54) - Positivity in Storytelling (17:27) - Engaging Through Presence (19:04) - Conclusion ******** Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. This episode is brought to you by Babbel . Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.