Lisa Lipkin, Founder and Director, Story Strategies
For over twenty-five years I worked as a professional storyteller, writing and performing original works internationally.
Podcast
Overview
One of the best ways to communicate or put your ideas through to the audience is by telling stories. Storytelling not only gives essence to the concrete topic but also creates an emotional connection between the storyteller and the listeners.
In the modern day and age of advertisements and social media, more and more brands are hiring storytellers to help their vision reach the masses. Storytelling is indeed the oldest trend that remains relevant and necessary in a fast pacing world.
Today we bring you one such unique storyteller who has been in the profession for several decades. She stands out in several ways.We are pleased to welcome Lisa Lipkin on the podcast today.
About Lisa:
Lisa is a storyteller currently residing part time in NewYork and Amsterdam. For the last 25 years, she has worked as a professional storyteller, working and performing original works.
Lisa is also the Founder CEO of story strategies and in that capacity, she has worked with companies like Shell Oil, Colgate, Deutsche Bank, Palm Leaf, the Ministry of Defence, Schweppes Transamerica etc. She has helped these ventures find their stories. Lisa is the daughter of a holocaust survivor.
In this interview with our host Frits Bussemaker, Lisa talks about her experiences as a storyteller and highlights some important parts of her life. She shares some very interesting anecdotes from her life.
Discussion:
Lisa takes us through some important aspects of storytelling.
Have you wondered whether the stories we hear are all true? Lisa shares the tricks storytellers use to bewitch the audience. She explains that to truly sync with listeners, a storyteller needs to build an emotional connection. Building an emotional connection first with yourself and your story is very vital.
“The neuroscience behind that supports it. I mean there’s been a wealth of neuroscientific studies done now about you know storytelling and emotions and the regions of the brain.
There’s a fascinating phenomenon identified by by researchers, I believe at princeton called neural coupling where they found that at the exact same moment that the teller is connected emotionally to his story the same region of the brain activates in the listener so you’re literally taking over the brain of your listener at that moment.”
What makes a good storyteller?
As a professional who has written and performed original works over the years, Lisa has mastered the art of storytelling. She reveals what goes into making a great storyteller.
“There’s many, many components to a good story. But the place you always want to start is by interrogating yourself. What fascinates me? What horrifies me?
It doesn’t really matter, again I’m using that neuroscientific principle, you have to engage in some way emotionally with yourself.
It doesn’t always have to be joyous and positive. It could be fear you know it could be horror. Either will work to activate your emotional region of the brain and thus your audience but you have a couple of minutes only. Not even a couple of seconds to capture their attention when they’re gonna lean in otherwise it’s all over!”
The backstory of Lisa’s journey is extremely interesting. We are taken on a journey of a true storyteller and how Lisa paved her way to master the true essence of storytelling.
Lisa’s journey is unique in its own ways. Tune in to hear some very incredible stories from her life and her professional journey as a storyteller.
Profile
For over twenty-five years I worked as a professional storyteller, writing and performing original works internationally. I wore many hats; first, performing original storytelling shows on recycling and the environment throughout NYC’s public schools; then, working with NY’s forgotten including battered women, sexually abused children, homeless men; and finally, becoming the storyteller-in-residence at the Museum of the City of New York. (103rd and 5th Avenue), bringing the city’s rich history to life through original storytelling performances. In 2008, I decided it was time to stop jumping around on a stage and begin giving back to others what I had learned about creating and telling great stories. Thus, my consultancy, Story Strategies, was born.
I appeared Off-Broadway and internationally with an original autobiographical show called `’What Mother Never Told Me…Reminiscences of the Child of a Holocaust Survivor, based on my own experiences. Other shows followed including, A New Yorker’s Guide To the Bible, Taking the Shoah on the Road, and Wall Street Folklore and Legends.
I authored: “Bringing the Story Home: The Complete Guide to Storytelling for Parents” and edited five books of American Poetry. I also contributed articles to The New York Times Magazine, New Yorker, Utne Reader, Penthouse, Self, and Ladies Home Journal, among others.
I believe there is a story to be found everywhere, even in the most seemingly mundane objects, facts, and data. I want to use my experience and skills to help others find those stories and tell them brilliantly.
Specialties: Storytelling training for scientists, communications, branding, marketing, recruitment delivery, power point, elevator pitches, speech writing and story coaching, and women’s empowerment.
