The mystery of storytelling: Julian Friedmann at TEDxEaling

How we tell stories seems to be a mysterious process that millions around the world want to be able to do, but 99.9% effectively fail. Why is it so hard for storyteller and audience to be one? What we communicate can change the lives of the writer and the audience. However, why stories matter and how to tell them better may not be as mysterious as it seems. Julian Friedmann has worked with writers for over 40 years; he believes understanding that storytelling is more about the audience than the writer will result in better storytelling.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[jenniferhergert]

People who are interested in gaining knowledge will watch it till the end. People who want to be entertained will rather complain about the style.

If someone offers you important information, without wanting money for it, you shut your mouth about the way it's being presented and you take the gift with thanks.

[AppleSlicesUnite]

Writing for yourself is a hobby, writing for the audience is a career.

[garyhorsman]

One of the best pieces of advice in this video: trim the fat. Allow context to explain what is happening rather than spoon-feeding the audience. This makes for a readership that is actively engaged in figuring out what is happening rather than being passively told everything. This also has the happy side effect of making scenes shorter and snappier which makes readers happier and have a sense of a story that is moving at an accelerated clip.

[TitleofLiberty]

That was one of the most excellently put commentaries on the subject. As a writer, I never thought of the exact functions I was applying, but now I see that is exactly what I have been doing all along.

[robertrolf]

This guy is a great speaker. Watched it to the end. Thanks for the tips: "audience first", "pity fear catharsis", and "the cinema screen is a big mirror where you can safely face your worst fears". Great job.

[kelmohror]

The conclusion of Mr. Friedmann's talk crystallizes what guarantees great storytelling and writing. His insight gives urgency to re-listening several times more with OneNote open.

[philipmann]

For all you folks who thought that this was a terrible speech, sorry, but he had it right. the audience, or the readers absolutely have to care for the characters and to identify with them. And that character has to be challenged, every instructor will tell you that. And yes, you should have an upbeat ending.If you don't think those things are true, just try getting published. Me? I was rejected 150 before finding a publisher. It is extremely difficult.

[lionkingmatiouz]

This TED talk is so rich in advices. Wow.
And making people looking at themselves through our story makes so much sense.

[gianni]

Pity
Fear
Catharsis

Suffering
Struggle
Overcoming

We believe what we see, not what we hear

[CampingforCool]

I think people are being too hard on this guy, he brings up good points (albeit in a dry way). I would only change his suggestion that successful stories have "upbeat endings" to "successful stories have closure and/or and sense of hope". Endings don't have to be literally happy to be attractive to the masses.

[Leto]

I really like how honest and still polite this speaker is. In my opinion this is what aspiring writers truely need. I'd rather be rejected a 100 times with honesty that I can work with than that I'll be published on the spot without having grown any further.
Thank you for this great talk.

[annjuurinen]

It has been said that great creatives who are in a permanent or semi permanent state of block are often to be in the sidelines of publishing, TV, Movies etc. They have been deemed "shadow artists" by those who do write successfully. One wonders what this fine storytelling man who is a successful agent would produce if he just started to tell his own story? Certainly merely by looking at him & listening to him he seems to fit the bill. "Pity, Fear, Catharsis." There are at least a thousand good stories within this man. I, for one, would read whatever stories this man has to tell.

[BlackBeltBarrister]

Wow, what a fantastic closing line - this is absolutely the key to retaining an audience! I often listen to talks at 1.5x speed, but I listened to the close several times at normal speed.. Thank you for such insight!

[vidyawitch]

Excellent talk. I think what he means is he rejects a lot of manuscripts, not people.

[magajinwilbafoshausanovel]

"Undeserved misfortune" I really like this line because not every misfortune will lead to empathy. Some will just annoy you

[marcoantoniogarciaoliveira]

Excellent talk. I just can't understand why so many people, below, made such depreciating comments about it. Friedmann shows he knows very well what he says, gives us good advice about writing a script or a story, and, last but not least, has a fine sense of humour!. I liked it very much!

[reesgargi]

Great video, one thing though: he moved from writing to filmmaking without any transition. Great lessons, kept me listening entire time.

[PlantiPal]

I like the unfilled long pauses saved for the audience's supposed laughter.

[a.f.b.]

What he shared here from an agent's point of view is quite insightful for new writers. Thank you, Mr. Freidmann!

[tommiller]

There are negative comments due to the glaring fact, that he is not interested in new business or clients. I see this a lot in editor panels, agent panels, etc. He has the people he is willing to represent, and is not interested in new business. New business is hard and uncertain, that is his attitude. Unfortunately it reflects throughout his advice.