Ch 2: Three Personal Stories Now that you are warmed up, draft three possible stories (6 sentences or less) that are potential contenders for the 1 minute Commencement Speech story. They could be funny, inspirational or meaningful. View Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech stories for inspiration. Steve Jobs Commencement Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Three tips when drafting your three possible stories. First, go back to the stories you listed in Chapter 1, and the throughlines you identified as they might illuminate where you are going. Second, consider imagining your “personal heroic journey.” How do you do that? Anticipate potential challenges in your future, as well as possible revelations and transformations. Then reverse-engineer a story that resonates with that future you imagined. Third, share your three stories with a partner for rapid feedback based on these criterion: (1) Is your goal clear? (2) Is there a hook? (3) Is it authentic and compelling to the audience? (4) Does the audience know what to do, think or feel after the story? After your partners feedback, you will pick one of the stories to be your Commencement Speech Story to further develop. 8