How to Take Control of Your Own Story

An email pops into my inbox with an opportunity I want to jump at right away. A very seasoned Improv performer is coming to town to do a workshop. Since I love attending workshops, I don’t even hesitate. Without reading past the first sentence, I sign up.

On the day of the workshop, I get there just as it’s starting. The Improv instructor sitting at the piano sees me and says, “Hi, are you here for the musical Improv class?” as everyone else in the room turns around to look at me too. 

Gulp... musical Improv? I have many skills, but music isn’t one of them. He invites me to sit down yet what I really want to do is turn around and run out the door. However, with all eyes on me I feel I have no choice. I sit.

Despite my several years of training in Improv comedy, that workshop still ranks among the most terrifying experiences ever! But I learn something important that day: If you don’t have the talent to sing, your *attempts* can make for some good Improv scenes. {Read: guaranteed hilarity.}

Speaking of unexpected performances, my guest today knows how to take risks and take control of where he wants his story to go, despite a perceived lack of talent. In 2004, William Hung managed to capture the support of fans of American Idol with his rejected audition of Ricky Martin’s hit song, “She Bangs”. And now, he’s here to talk about how to live a bold and confident life on the Storytelling School Podcast!

In this episode, we discuss taking control of your story, containing your fear, sharing your unique point of view with others, and more. We also answer questions like:

How can you adapt to different situations and turn a negative into a positive story? How do you take that first step when trying to do something outside your comfort zone? What should you keep in mind when invited to speak in front of an audience? What needs to be present in any story you share with an audience? And why is storytelling so important in our world today?

• How to take the reins of your own story in any given scenario
• How to stand behind your unique perspective and let go of the fear of judgment
• How a Toastmasters technique can help you uplevel your storytelling

William Hung is someone who’s willing to bet on himself. In 2004, he was just a college kid with a Hollywood dream, like so many others. So he auditioned on American Idol and received a resounding rejection from the (in)famous Simon Cowell.

Instead of letting that rejection define him negatively, William took that gamble of an audition and turned it around into a positive. He became a symbol of hope for people who desired to chase their dreams. Since then, he has become an entertainer, speaker, and professional poker player who tells his story (beyond what you’ve seen on TV) in hopes that it helps others to live life more boldly and confidently.