How To Tell a Powerful Story in Four Easy Steps | Tom Lockridge | TEDxMountainAve

NOTE FROM TED: This talk discusses a case of child sexual abuse. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com...
This talk includes a discussion of child sexual abuse which may cause distress to some viewers. We are all storytellers. It’s in our nature. But how can we tell our stories in the way that has the most impact? Tom Lockridge has been a felony prosecutor in Kentucky for more than 30 years, handling serious crimes from murder to child abuse. In this talk, Tom discusses his journey as a trial lawyer and how he learned the power of story. Tom studied story by learning from the folks he calls “the greatest storytellers in the world” - Hollywood screenwriters. He learned the craft so well that he has had multiple feature films produced from screenplays he has written. Tom shares a simple four-step structure that anyone can use to tell a powerful story. The structure is designed to let the audience understand and comprehend the impact of the events in the story on the lives of the people involved. Tom’s path from trial attorney to screenwriter has allowed him to experience first-hand the power of story and how the stories we tell can impact any audience, from a jury in a serious case, to the comfort seeking audiences for Hallmark movies. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living
or dead, is purely coincidental. Tom Lockridge served as the elected Commonwealth Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Kentucky for more than 26 years and has well over 30 years-experience as a violent crime prosecutor. He received the Carroll M. Redford Award as “Outstanding Kentucky Prosecutor” and was named “Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney” by the Kentucky Attorney General. He has served as a member of the Prosecutors Advisory Council, The Governor’s Task Force on Sexual Assault, and served as chair of the Kentucky Multidisciplinary Commission on Child Sexual Abuse. In his second career, Tom is the co-founder and President of Lucky Day Studios. He served as a writer/producer on "Unrequited" (Lionsgate) and "Faith, Love, and Chocolate" (Pure Flix/Amazon Prime). Most recently, Tom wrote & produced "Midway to Love" (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel). In 2022, Tom was a a Top 10 Finalist in the Emerging Screenwriters Comedy Contest with the screenplay, "A Bourbon Tale". This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@yogidevish]

The story about Amy made me teary, I can't imagine how often stuff like that happens and it would just seem like an open wound, to go through that experience without any consequences for the defendant

[@MyAmazingDarkenedSky]

Hearing about his journey from trial attorney to screenwriter was so interesting! It's really cool how those skills transfered so well into a completely different field

[@joshuabaxter507]

The "normal life" and "new normal" concepts in storytelling were new to me. He explained them so well too, easy to see how they add depth to any story

[@gavinstyles]

I never realized how much storytelling can influence a jury's decision. His insights into this were fascinating and so important for anyone in the legal field.

[@nomorerealitytv]

The four-step storytelling method is such a useful tool. I can't wait to try it out in my own work and see how it improves my storytelling!

[@emilmalthe9861]

I've always thought of courtrooms as dry and factual, but the way he describes it as a battleground of narratives is fascinating. Will definitely be paying more attention to how stories are used to persuade in my daily life, from ads to political speeches.

[@korbinlynatserendipiteahea6853]

This dude is an inspiration. What a devotion to delivering justice and how cool that he gifted us with what he found - HOW TO TELL A POWERFUL STORY...such an art of humanity all across time. Imagine how we can use this as this world we've known comes undone and a new world is being born. I will be using these 4 easy-to-use steps in my business and in this world. Thanks Tom Lockridge!!!

[@slowmodern]

I've never really thought about the emotional toll on prosecutors before. or about how it's real people's lives and not just about winning or losing. makes me appreciate the complexity of the justice system alot more.

[@jennielockridge1797]

Engaging, interesting and an easy to follow recipe that can be used in almost every walk of life. Well done!

[@volunteernebraska6025]

This provides a solid foundation!

[@rusticsettings]

Well if the way this guy tells a story is anything to go by his advice on storytelling is worth taking! Was super engaged and curious throughout this whole talk

[@addisonpassini]

What he says about telling the jury what happened not being enough is really sad when you think about it though. Especially for all the Amy's out there

[@russlockridge5277]

Well done! I can use this in my presentations.

[@mtrc8]

I'm blown away by how he connected Hollywood techniques to courtroom strategies. As someone working in marketing, I can see so many applications for this storytelling structure in my campaigns.

[@matthewmoye3119]

Great talk, Tom! Engaging and relevant to us all. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@KoriBeckBumgarner]

A must watch! What great and easy to follow advice!

[@tracymhays]

Excellent talk! Great tips for anyone needing to draw the audience into their story.

[@randompi9492]

I was really moved by his story about Amy. It highlighted the importance of compassion and understanding when dealing with sensitive topics, something more people need to be aware of IMO

[@kailirowen]

I appreciate the structure you provided for storytelling. It's practical and easy to remember, especially for someone like me who needs to present a lot.

[@DrcraigskohlerCEO-shoponvi-com]

Great explanation of sorts telling and the impact it has on the listening audience

[@umadelecois]

I'm impressed by how he broke down complex storytelling techniques into simple, actionable steps. As someone who's always struggled with public speaking, this structure seems like it could be really helpful!

[@miamay626]

I'm a teacher and it's so hard to hold the attention of my students... hoping the four-step storytelling structure can help me improve that! I think it'd work really well for history and literature. Excited to try it out, thanks!

[@kingbrantley]

Wonderful talk to see and hear, great steps thank you

[@courtneycurtismiller210]

Loved this! Concise and helpful!!!

[@melrobertsreal]

Thank you for going to this effort, and giving people the tools to tell their stories ❤❤

[@qaysdeshante]

This is a great talk, storytelling is like a dying art

[@JimSpratt]

Very inspiring. So nice to know such a thoughtful person has devoted his life to public service.

[@rjmsbr247]

Fantastic, moving and helpful. Thank you for sharing your skills,

[@MattLockridge-h7l]

Nice job, Tom! Great lesson and very applicable!

[@iamthetroublefinder]

The four-step storytelling method is such a useful tool. I can't wait to try it out in my own work and see how it improves my storytelling

[@lingerlongerfilms5555]

Love this. Absolutely brilliant. Great stories and then the recipe used to tell them. So helpful! And what a great human being too, dedicating his life to helping others. A must watch!

[@gabor-kantor]

This is very helpful thank you, I think everyone should know how to tell a story!

[@thereallybigdog]

Make me care as the basis for stories is really powerful advice, thank you.

[@georgemanu]

I think the comparison between the egging incident and the work of a prosecutor was a bit of a stretch, but I understand the point you were trying to make

[@amyschefer6728]

I appreciated each of your stories and the reason that it is important for you to become a storyteller. Grateful for the chance to learn thank you.

[@jackieduncan573]

Tom, your presentation was informative and entertaining. Wish I’d had it many years ago but now I know! Great!

[@rewazakharia9000]

Love this!! Great story and advice! Definitely worth the watch.

[@frasernicholson8509]

I think this does a great job of highlighting the importance of storytelling in the courtroom. Makes it very clear how storytelling is a skill that can make a real difference in the outcome of cases.

[@olgasladekova]

I know the story could have gone very differently but there's still something so wholesome about how he says he didn't feel so scared anymore when his friend walked over to those guys with him, and also what he took away from that experience.

[@shawncarlstedt3162]

So engaging and pertinent!! Everyone has a story!

[@SafeFamiliesTreasureValley]

highlights the importance of storytelling and how to do it well! nice talk Tom.

[@dr.timwalls]

The egging incident story was wild from start to finish. It's crazy how such a random event can shape your entire life path. Makes me think about all the little moments in my own life

[@surut7825]

The way you tied your personal story to your career choice as a prosecutor was really inspiring. It's clear you have a deep passion for helping others and I'm glad to have found this talk!

[@AmyWatroba]

Tom is a master storyteller. This presentation provides valuable, practical advice for first-timers or seasoned storytellers looking to hone their skills.

[@johnkevinholbrookforcircui3707]

Excellent-concise and memorable! Inherent in Tom’s ability to tell a story is genuineness. Follow his steps, be your authentic self and you’ll deliver a fine speech/story.

[@maddieandbear]

Love the personal stories and the simple steps. So applicable to really anyone’s life or career! Well done

[@d2mmedia146]

Everyone has a story to tell.......

[@raeflores-nr1ge]

Everything a TEDx talk should be!!

[@TheErosChat]

Ok, I like it! Picasso 🤌🏻