Story Testing Method
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A method used by successful speakers and entrepreneurs to test and refine their stories through audience feedback before making them part of their regular repertoire.
Core Testing Process
- Test stories with different audiences to gauge reaction
- Watch for physical cues during delivery
- Monitor eyebrow movement
- Observe body language
- Notice when people lean in or back
- Track which parts of stories get attention
- Refine delivery based on audience response
Story Refinement Techniques
- Note which specific lines and phrases resonate
- Adjust delivery when certain references don't land
- Example: Changing references when audience doesn't know who Ted Turner is
- Create intentional "hooks" throughout the story
- Perfect timing and delivery through repetition
- Maintain authenticity even with rehearsed content
- Make it feel fresh each time
- Act as if telling the story for the first time
Professional Examples
- Chris Sacca's method:
- Uses rehearsed self-corrections in stories
- Maintains same delivery across different platforms (CNBC, in-person)
- Makes practiced moments seem spontaneous
- Tim Ferriss's approach:
- Develops signature phrases
- Uses consistent disclaimers ("I don't pretend to be a doctor...")
- Business Application:
- Used in company pitches
- Applied during fundraising
- Employed in hiring situations
- Utilized for podcast appearances
Key Success Factors
- Consistency in delivery while maintaining freshness
- Regular testing and refinement
- Attention to audience feedback
- Building a bank of proven stories
- Making rehearsed content feel natural
Sam Parr
Host of MFM and fitness influencer
Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.
In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.
Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.
After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.
Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.