Episode 142

How to Become a Masterful Storyteller: Leon Conrad on the Art and Science of Storytelling

There are few skills that will make you as compelling and charismatic as the ability to tell great stories. Not just anecdotes -- but stories that land with precision, resonate emotionally, and stick long after the conversation ends.

Leon Conrad is a storytelling academic, researcher, and author of The Unknown Storyteller. He brings rare intellectual depth to a subject that most people treat superficially, and this conversation is as close to a masterclass in storytelling as you'll find in podcast form.

Whether you're a keynote speaker, trainer, coach, or leader, understanding how stories actually work -- structurally, psychologically, and culturally -- will transform how you communicate.

What you'll learn in this episode

How many types of story actually exist and why the answer matters, what makes a story like Cinderella work across every culture and era, why human beings are neurologically wired for narrative, the traditions of storytelling that professional speakers can draw on, how to become a more charismatic communicator through better storytelling, and practical steps to developing your storytelling craft regardless of your starting point.

About Leon Conrad

Leon Conrad is a storytelling researcher, academic, and author. His book The Unknown Storyteller explores the deeper structures that underpin all great narratives. Find out more and connect with Leon at leonconrad.com.

Visit strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz.

Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form at this link and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on.

For speaking enquiries or to connect, email john@presentinfluence.com or find John on LinkedIn.

All clips and episodes are on the Present Influence YouTube channel.

Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algorithm recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow and leave a rating.

Related episodes: How to Connect With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime with Simon Lancaster

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.
Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.
Become the speaker people ask for by name.

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for John Ball

John Ball

John Ball is a keynote coach and professional speaker on a mission to help upcoming leaders master their communication, create impact and stand out as experts in their field.
John left the high life of his flying career to do something more meaningful to him and has since worked with several leading personal and professional development organisations as a lead coach and trainer.
The heart of everything John does involves helping people shift to personal responsibility and conscious awareness of how they show up and perform in every situation, whilst equipping them with the tools to be exceptional.
John also co-hosts The Coaching Clinic Podcast with his great friend and colleague Angie Besignano.
He lives in the beautiful city of Valencia, Spain with his husband and often visits the UK and US for speaking and training engagements. When he's not speaking or podcasting, he's likely to be out swimming, kayaking or enjoying time with friends.

Support Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.

A huge thank you to our supporters, it means a lot that you support our podcast.

If you like the podcast and want to support it, too, you can leave us a tip using the button below. We really appreciate it and it only takes a moment!
Support Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!