The Magic of the question 'Why' for Storytellers

Harvesting of stories within an organisation or discovering the story behind the person is the first step to using the power of story for delivering whatever it is you wish to achieve.

When asked to recount persoanl stories not many people get it at first, often they think people won't be interested or that their story isn't entertaining enough. Ofthe these are the really powerful ones.

So try asking any of these next thirty or so, seemingly innocuous questions but then, immediately. ask the question  ‘why?’. It's one of the skeleton keys to unlocking the hidden gems and stories that really engage. Try it on yourself. It works like magic.


Do you go by a nickname?
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
What’s the one sound that drives you crazy?
What book has had the biggest impact on you?
What’s your preferred method of getting the news?
When driving, do you listen to CD’s, tapes, the radio or nothing?
Are you a window person or an aisle person?
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
How do you relieve stress?
Who would you consider to be your hero?
Where do you most often find yourself singing?
What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
What’s your favorite holiday?
What’s your favorite smell?
What’s you favorite restaurant?
What’s your favorite part of your job?
What’s your favorite childhood TV show?
What is your favorite daily ritual?
What is your favorite quotation?
What’s your favorite food to cook?
What’s your favorite movie to watch over and over again?
What was the first job you ever had?
What color was your refrigerator growing up?
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When was the last time you played hooky from school or work?
What was the best prank you ever pulled off?
What was the last CD you bought?
What was the last movie you saw?
What was the best prank someone pulled on you?
What was the last concert you attendIf you could add a single option to your car, what would you add?If you could have dinner with any three people, whom would you choose.
If you could get back any article of clothing you once wore, what would it be?

And the list goes on.....