People forget facts and figures, but people never forget a good story.
In this standalone companion to Your Story, Well Told, author and The Moth StorySlams host Corey Rosen provides a practical, go-to guide on crafting and delivering impactful narratives for professional, academic, and personal success. Combining humor, heart, and advice, Rosen demystifies storytelling, making it accessible for beginners while enriching experienced storytellers.
Organized into three parts—business, school, and family—the book addresses diverse storytelling needs, from job interviews and persuasive pitches to college essays, eulogies, and wedding toasts. Each chapter features vivid examples and easy-to-follow exercises, helping readers tap into their life experiences and transform them into compelling stories. Through personal anecdotes and structured exercises, readers learn to reflect on their experiences, structure their stories effectively, and share them with authenticity.
Whether you’re a doctor, teacher, salesman, parent, or a friend, A Story for Everything empowers you to elevate your communication and enrich your relationships. If you want to make an unforgettable impression, this book was made for you.
Table of Contents:
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION: (Not) Just the Facts
- EXERCISE: Sparkling Moment
- EXERCISE: Alternative Uses
- EXERCISE: Gift Giving
PART 1: BUSINESS STORIES
Chapter 1: Storytelling to Sell Yourself: A Job Seeker’s Guide
- EXERCISE: Writing Your Life Story x 3
- EXERCISE: Why Do You Want This Job? Why Should They Want You?
Chapter 2: Leading by Example: How Stories Build Stronger Teams
- EXERCISE: Inspiring Your Team – The Hype Game
Chapter 3: Feedback that Inspires: Turning Conversations into Solutions
- EXERCISE: Avoid The Sandwich
Chapter 4:Stories that Guide Change: Correcting Behavior Constructively
- EXERCISE: Give CIRCLE Feedback
Chapter 5: Selling Solutions: Using Stories to Influence and Persuade
Chapter 6: Embracing the Fall: Turning Failures into Stories of Strength
Chapter 7: Responding to Change: Stories that Showcase Your Agility
Chapter 8: Bridging Logic and Emotion: How Stories Win Grants
Chapter 9: Promote Yourself: Storytelling as a Tool for Workplace Growth
Chapter 10: Moving On: Using Stories to Close One Chapter and Start Another
PART 2: SCHOOL STORIES
Chapter 11: Turning Life into Words: Writing A Memorable College Essay
- EXERCISE: Explode the Prompt
Chapter 12: Stories that Mobilize: Community Fundraising and Organizing
- WORKSHEET: Teacher Appreciation Ask Letters
PART 3: FAMILY STORIES
Chapter 13: Wedding Words that Last: Toasts, Speeches, and Vows
- WORKSHEET: Wedding Toasts with H.E.AT.
- WORKSHEET: Wedding Vows
Chapter 14: Proud Parent Narratives: Telling Stories with Heart and Humility
Chapter 15: Once Upon a Dream: Bedtime Storytelling That Builds Bonds
Chapter 16: Bridging Generations: The Power of Stories in Caregiving
Chapter 17: A Final Tribute: Storytelling in Eulogies
AFTERWORD: YOUR STORIES, WELL CONCLUDED
STORYTELLING RESOURCES
