# Insights from the Ultimate Storyteller on YouTube: Stephanie Soo
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Chapter 1: The Art of Storytelling
Storytelling isn’t my forte. When I attempt it, I often omit crucial details or overindulge in unnecessary filler words like "um" or "like," and I frequently lose track of the timeline, which leads to me jumping around or completely losing my train of thought. I suspect it might be a mix of anxiety and introversion, or perhaps something cosmic like mercury being in retrograde. Regardless, I recognize my storytelling shortcomings and am eager to improve. I can’t be the only one feeling this way.
Allow me to introduce you to the best storyteller I’ve encountered on YouTube—Stephanie Soo, a 26-year-old true crime enthusiast. My listening habits include a variety of storytelling podcasts such as The Moth, Snap Judgement (my absolute favorite), and the classic, This American Life. While the narrators on those platforms are undeniably skilled, their stories can sometimes come across as overly rehearsed.
Stephanie, however, is a refreshing exception.
Her storytelling stands out so remarkably that her videos, which range from 20 to 90 minutes, draw countless compliments on her engaging style. In a world dominated by TikTok and a younger audience, her ability to retain viewer interest is nothing short of remarkable.
The comments section of her videos is filled with admiration for her skills.
After observing her storytelling techniques closely, I’ve compiled a list of effective strategies we can adopt ourselves.
Section 1.1: Engaging the Audience
One of Stephanie’s key techniques is to pose questions to her viewers right from the start. For instance, if she’s narrating a story about a murder stemming from infidelity, she might ask, “Have you ever caught someone cheating?” This approach not only piques curiosity but also invites the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative.
Subsection 1.1.1: Crafting Vivid Characters
She skillfully develops her characters before diving into the storyline. Instead of simply stating, “Josh is 23, he works on Wall Street, and he’s wealthy,” she paints a vivid picture: “Josh is the quintessential 'bro.' He’s the guy who hits the bars on Saturdays with his friends, even if his partner is about to give birth.” This level of detail fosters emotional investment in the characters from the outset.
Section 1.2: Building Suspense
Stephanie often reveals the plot’s “what” without disclosing the “who,” “where,” “when,” “why,” or “how.” For example, she might say, “This guy pretended to be a millionaire at 17 to lure teenage boys and ultimately killed one of them.” This strategic omission creates suspense and compels viewers to continue watching.
Chapter 2: Enhancing the Narrative
The first video showcases Stephanie’s storytelling prowess, emphasizing her unique style and engaging content.
In another fascinating video, she explores a real-life incident where a misunderstanding led to serious consequences, illustrating her ability to intertwine humor with suspense.
Stephanie adds fictional dialogue to her narratives, making even mundane events intriguing. For instance, in one of her stories, she describes a character who loves hot sauce despite suffering from acid reflux. She humorously mimics the character, saying, “Sometimes, the hot sauce just rises up my throat, and I feel like I might vomit, but I can’t resist it.”
Moreover, she includes seemingly trivial details that add depth to her tales. In the hot sauce story, she mentions a moment where another character is distracted by a dating app while snacking on Cheetos. This level of detail makes the scene feel relatable and authentic.
Lastly, she modulates her voice throughout her storytelling, effortlessly capturing her audience's attention. By alternating between energetic highs and soft, suspenseful tones, she keeps viewers engaged. Occasionally, she might switch her accent, adding another layer of intrigue.
Stephanie exudes confidence while telling her stories, performing as if she knows her audience is hanging on her every word. This is crucial; confidence can make or break a storyteller.
These seven strategies employed by Stephanie can help anyone looking to enhance their storytelling abilities. While it’s not necessary to implement all of them at once, starting with just one or two can significantly improve your narrative skills. Above all, cultivating confidence is essential; introverts and the anxious must embrace it.
When I feel nervous about sharing a story, I often assume my audience is already bored, causing me to rush through the narrative or ramble aimlessly. This leads to a frustrating cycle of disappointment.
So, do you have a favorite storyteller? I’d love to hear your recommendations!