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Have you ever thought, “I don’t have any stories to tell,” or wondered where people get those everyday stories that connect so powerfully with their audience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive headfirst into that question and show you exactly how to spot and share the remarkable stories already hiding in your daily life.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, and as a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I know first-hand how easy it is to believe your life doesn’t serve up “epic” stories worth sharing. But the truth I’ve learned through both experience and science is that your best stories are simpler, closer, and more relatable than you ever imagined. Today, we’re flipping the script on storytelling by focusing on the small, ordinary moments that hold hidden magic when you know how to uncover and frame them.

This episode is just me no guest because I wanted to dig deep into my favorite topic: the practical art of everyday storytelling. I share personal experiences (including my own mishaps and embarrassments), research findings, and creative exercises you can use right away.

Here’s what we tackle together:

• Why chasing after “epic” stories is a waste of energy, and how your camera roll, junk drawer, and overheard conversations are loaded with potential story material.
• The science behind why small, vulnerable stories are more memorable and create stronger audience connection than polished, fact-based presentations.
• My three-step rule for quickly turning small disasters (like burning your grilled cheese or missing the bus) into engaging stories anyone can relate to.
• How to turn random objects (think broken watches or lone hairpins) into compelling story seeds using a practical three-step exercise.
• Techniques for mining everyday dialogue like coffee shop chatter for real, emotional narrative arcs, and how to practice capturing those authentic moments.
• Why sharing imperfect, unpolished stories is so powerful (spoiler: it helps your listeners remember and see themselves in your story).
• A practical challenge for you: pick five ordinary things over the next week and use the three-step micro story method to discover just how many stories your “ordinary” life truly holds.

If you’ve ever felt stuck when someone told you to “just tell a story,” by the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and most importantly, the mindset to pull stories from even the most unremarkable corners of your day. Remember, your daily life is full of story prompts just waiting to be told, and those stories are your greatest assets as a communicator and connector.

Don’t forget to grab your free ebook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out my Formula for Public Speaking course. Thanks for joining me, your voice truly has the power to change the world. See you next time!

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