People often joke that the Pythagorean Theorem is the most useless thing you learn in school, but I’d argue it’s the essay structure we learned.

Remember this? Start with a question. Tell us what you’re going to talk about. 4-5 sentences per paragraph. Firstly, Secondly, Lastly, In Conclusion.

I’m sure this is helpful somewhere (medical research, maybe). But, it’s the exact opposite advice that every great storyteller will tell you to follow.

Which is why, today, I’m sharing quotes and lessons from great storytellers – people whose quotes, books, and lessons have inspired me.

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✍🏼On the power of story in business “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.” — Seth Godin

→ Takeaway: Give people something to believe in. Your brand is more than what you sell. It’s how you make people feel.

✍🏼On how to write when you don’t know what to say “I wrote my first novel because I wanted to read it.” — Toni Morrison

→ Takeaway: If you don’t know what to write, simply share what you need to hear.

✍🏼On making marketing feel human “Write for one person.” — Ann Handley

→ Takeaway: The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing. It feels like you talking to your audience like a real human.

✍🏼On tapping into creativity “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou

→ Takeaway: The more you practice storytelling, the easier it gets.

✍🏼On writing with depth “A book without emotion isn’t a book worth reading.” — Rebecca Yarros

→ Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to go deeper than “5 tips to….”

✍🏼On cutting the fluff “We try to edit things down and focus on the essence of the story. We take out all the parts that people are not going to remember anyway.” — Pete Docter

→ Takeaway: Cut the fluff that doesn’t add to the essence of the story.

✍🏼On the power of keeping it real “As long as my music is real, it’s no limit to how many ears I can grab.” — Kendrick Lamar (my new fav storyteller)

→ Takeaway: Keep it real and honest.

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I hope these reminders serve and inspire you.