What Great Storytellers Know: Seven Skills to Become Your Most Influential and Inspiring Self

by Bernadette Jiwa

"The first book you should read when you're ready to share an idea with the world." —SETH GODIN

We all have stories. Learn how to tell yours.

We've always used stories to entertain, teach, and inspire. And despite what we’re often led to believe, storytelling is not an innate ability. It’s a skill anyone—from marketers and professional communicators to parents and teachers—can, and should, master.

In What Great Storytellers Know, bestselling author and storytelling teacher, Bernadette Jiwa takes you through the steps of finding and strengthening your storytelling muscles. Jiwa shares the seven skills to being a great storyteller, and shows you how to cultivate them to build trust and connection. You’ll discover how to become more fully present and in tune with the world around you; how to find the extraordinary in the everyday and the power in the particular; how to speak from the heart and express your truth; and how to recognise, and replicate, the patterns in strong stories to chart an emotional path for your audiences.

You’ll also experience how the power of storytelling extends not just to the listener, but to the storyteller. As you find your voice, you’ll create the change you want to see—whether to inspire hope in the hearts of your team, to build trust with your customers, or to strengthen a relationship.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Communication, Self Help, Business, Leadership

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

About the author

Bernadette Jiwa is an Irish Australian writer and story skills teacher. For ten years, she successfully published award-winning non-fiction books before embracing the freedom of fiction.

Her Dublin novels, THE MAKING OF HER and EVERY SHADE OF LOVE, were published in 2022 and 2025.

Reviews

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started slowly and linearly. But picked up steam in the latter half. Stories in the book are fun, good references, the book itself feels very listicle like.

[Rina Zhubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A qick read packed with valuable information and beautiful sentences.

The book keeps you entertained with good stories.
It inspires you to be a better, compassionate person.
It teaches you the skills and attitude that helps you be a storyteller of your life.

[Bogdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, just a quick go through ‘stories’ as a very powerful influencing skill to perfect.

Take away: ‘We become stronger and more connected when we prioritise finding, owning and sharing our stories’

Book’s more like a reminder or cheatsheet with the basics concepts to have in mind.

5C’s structure to craft powerful stories:
- Context
- Catalyst
- Complication
- Change
- Consequence

Pondering passage - ‘correlation is not causation. Simply knowing the answers to questions will not produce the good outcomes. It is not what is known that is the critical factor, but HOW the children come to know it’

[Fer A. Pérez Zetina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s a beautiful and personal way to learn how to become a storyteller. Bernadette Jiwa follow a method that’s is simple and effective. Also illustrated theirs arguments with personal and vulnerable stories.

If you are searching for marketing tips, this book it’s not for you. But, if you want to go deep into your soul and find the voice and stories that lives in you, maybe it’s a excellent choice.

Pd. I’m learning English, so sorry if you find any mistakes

[Kajanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was a teacher, I’d make this required reading for my students

Storytelling is more than just trying to become a better writer or speaker. It’s the fundamental method through which all humans communicate. Moreover, it also provides an avenue for us to reflect and share what we have learnt.

This book provides amazing and concise tips on how to become a better storyteller and why this is important. You simply must read it.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a writer or not, this book gives you skills to be a good storyteller. And we all tell stories, whether as writers or to friends and families. Each chapter starts with a quote and ends with a list of skills to apply. Jiwa has also told a story or two in each chapter, all engaging. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all.

[Shawn Kopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Short Read Packed Full of Goodness

Excellent advice on how to tell a compelling story. It gives you courage, a structure to follow, and the prod to make you do it. I pulled several good points that I will use in my everyday life. Thanks for the insightful book.

[Mike Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine book! Good advice, well presented.

Every point the author makes is highly relevant, and each point is accompanied by stories and examples that illuminate the learning experience. I hope this book has changed me, and if not, I will read it again and again until it does.

[Mark J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good pointers on Story Structure

I liked the authenticity of the author - her stories were engaging and her simple distillation of the material presented made for an easy read - highly recommended if you are interested in improving your writing or speaking skills

[Chris Loeffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read, but meaningful enough that I will be reading it again. Or at least reviewing the most important ideas. I was so intrigued I had to keep reading, while wanting to reread most chapters to take it. The author mixes important storytelling elements with great examples throughout.

[Xsitaaz Chadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview of storytelling

If you want a book on the basic characteristics of telling a story, then Jiwa’s book “What Great Storytellers Know” is your starting point. Also, move through her series of books to cement the 7 skills mentioned in this book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit on the short side, but up to Jiwa's usual high standard of practicality.

[adriana garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

I really cheer this reading. The best guide book i have ever read. Gracias por pasarnos tanto conocimiento. Empezaré a escribir mi historia

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read for anyone interested in being a better storyteller. A reminder that stories are all around us and we can choose how we share them. Thank you, Bernadette, for this gem 🤗❤️

[Alex K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

There was one fantastic chapter on structure- the rest was decent. Worth the read but not my favorite book on storytelling. It’s geared more towards marketers than writers.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much, Bernadette Jiwa!! This book is one of those experiences that has changed how I exist in the world. ❤️

[Cody Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

(read for work)

[Natalia Navrotska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, interesting guide

[Cody James Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the simplicity of the message. Took lots of notes. Recommend.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant book. Lots of repetition, veiled in a different version of the same thing. Was hoping for something a bit more tangible. However I’m sure it will be perfect for the right reader.

[Peppina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and practical

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book about learning how to tell powerful stories!
Bernadette is a master at storytelling, her ability to find and tell powerful stories is second to none! This is a great book to help you get started, telling your own stories!

[Daniela - The Flare D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo piccolo libro di poco più di 150 pagine è un vero gioiello: è un manuale interessante e prezioso per imparare a conoscere le migliori strategie per diventare grandi narratori, di se stessi in primis. Bernadette Jiwa guida il lettore in una serie di capitoli alla scoperta delle fonti delle possibili storie che ognuno di noi potrebbe raccontare e che nella maggior parte dei casi nascono da momenti della vita di tutti i giorni. Il punto di partenza è il nostro occhio sulla realtà. Il libro è pensato per chi vuole imparare a usare lo storytelling sia in ambito professionale sia nella sfera privata con l’obiettivo di diventare d’ispirazione per chi ci circonda. Eccellente lettura!

[Paul Triller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, educational, enlightening, and extremely useful.

Well worth the second read!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A book to re-read over and over to absorb the content.