A Story for Everything - by Corey Rosen

About the Book

Learn how to tell your own stories in ways to help you get ahead in business, job interviews, or sales; to effectively teach any grade level; and to give a toast, a eulogy, or simply captivate the room you're in.

Book Synopsis

People forget facts and figures, but people never forget a good story.

In this standalone companion to Your Story, Well Told, author and The Moth StorySlams host Corey Rosen provides a practical, go-to guide on crafting and delivering impactful narratives for professional, academic, and personal success. Combining humor, heart, and advice, Rosen demystifies storytelling, making it accessible for beginners while enriching experienced storytellers.

Organized into three parts--business, school, and family--the book addresses diverse storytelling needs, from job interviews and persuasive pitches to college essays, eulogies, and wedding toasts. Each chapter features vivid examples and easy-to-follow exercises, helping readers tap into their life experiences and transform them into compelling stories. Through personal anecdotes and structured exercises, readers learn to reflect on their experiences, structure their stories effectively, and share them with authenticity.

Whether you're a doctor, teacher, salesman, parent, or a friend, A Story for Everything empowers you to elevate your communication and enrich your relationships. If you want to make an unforgettable impression, this book was made for you.

Review Quotes

"I've known Corey Rosen since we were kids, and even back then, he had a remarkable ability to turn everyday moments into unforgettable stories. In A Story for Everything, Corey shares that gift--giving readers the tools to connect, inspire, and entertain. This book is like having Corey in the room with you--insightful, encouraging, and always full of heart." --Alex Kurtzman, cowriter of the scripts to Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2

"In A Story for Everything, Corey Rosen brings the same magic that made his storytelling workshop a highlight of our leadership offsite. His engaging techniques, interactive activities, and thoughtful insights helped our team connect, communicate, and even win over the most reluctant participants. This book is a must-read for product, marketing, and sales teams--or anyone looking to sharpen their storytelling skills and build stronger connections." --Anton Honikman, CEO of MyVest

"A Story for Everything is a terrific catalyst for telling your story where and when you need to connect and engage." --Dan O'Connor, author of Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life

"I've known Corey Rosen for years, and one of his gifts is storytelling. Another is his desire to help others do the same. We all know that the world is a better place when we can genuinely connect with each other. In A Story for Everything, Corey delivers practical tools that anyone can use to find their voice and tell their truth." --Jean Bolte, digital texture painter at Industrial Light & Magic

"Corey Rosen's A Story for Everything is a great guide for anyone looking to elevate their communication skills. His practical tools and engaging exercises make storytelling accessible for anyone preparing for a high-stakes talk. Corey's insights will help you craft authentic stories that speak to audiences where they are at, and deliver them with greater confidence and ease. Who doesn't want that?" --Jen Reidy, communications coach

"Corey Rosen's A Story for Everything is a joyful, practical guide to one of the most essential human skills: storytelling. Corey's approach helps people uncover meaning in everyday moments and turn them into tools for connection, empathy, and transformation. As a creative leader, educator, and champion of excellent communication, I see this book as an indispensable resource for anyone looking to inspire others, lead with authenticity, and navigate change with heart." --Suzanne Howard, founder of IDEO U, executive coach, and trainer

"Probably the most comprehensive book on storytelling ever written. Corey Rosen uses compelling personal stories to make his case. This is a reference book as well as a 'how to' book." --Patricia Ryan Madson, author of Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up

"Corey has given us a gift! Even if you appreciate the power of storytelling, it's tough to know how to develop your storytelling muscles. This book is loaded with tons of practical and fun 'workout tips' to help you develop your skills. Whether it's to get a job, do your job better, or give a toast at your sister's wedding, Corey helps show you the way. I love this book and you will, too." --John Kovacevich, founder and creative director at Agency SOS

Praise for Corey Rosen's Your Story, Well Told

"This book will help you to craft your memories with joy and art. Let Corey Rosen teach you how good-humored authentic story sharing, in any social and cultural context, beats those nasty public lying contests every time." --Nancy Mellon, healing storyteller, counselor, and author of Storytelling and the Art of Imagination and Healing Story

"Your Story, Well Told by Corey Rosen is an invitation to enter the theater of living story with a ticket already in your hand. Drawing from his impressive background in film, improv, and radio, Corey uses key techniques and the unbridled enthusiasm of a skilled storytelling coach to discover, refine, and tell your life story to the applause of one or thousands. Everyone has a story--Corey's storytelling guide offers proven tips, exercises, and expertise to showcase yours." --Kate Farrell, librarian, storyteller, and author of Story Power

"Corey Rosen's book is a great resource. I know I will return to it again and again for ideas, inspiration, and entertainment. It's like listening to a good story being told, while learning how to tell your own stories better." --Samantha Harris, cohost of Dancing with the Stars and Entertainment Tonight and author of Your Healthiest Healthy

"I believe you should read this book cover to cover and trust in Corey as your storytelling coach because of his twenty-plus years of dedication to story mastery as a performer and a teacher. This book is his life's work. The greatest thing I believe Corey's book can do for you is to give you the confidence to believe your stories are worth developing and sharing. Maybe one day you'll be sitting in a theater, watching your story as a movie, or perhaps you'll be on stage, holding people in the palm of your hands with three stories you're unfolding in the petal structure. The key is to believe in yourself." --Patrick Combs, writer, director, and star of Man 1, Bank 0

"Everyone is a storyteller; it's how we communicate, make friends, and go through life. But few of us would dare to tell a story in public for fear that it has to be a 'good' story. Corey's book demystifies everything. His book will help everyone have the confidence to share their story with the world. And the more we hear each other's stories, the better we'll understand each other. Get this book; give it to your kids and yourself." --William Hall, cofounder of BATS Improv. and author/editor of The Playbook: Improv Games for Performers

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION: (Not) Just the Facts

• EXERCISE: Sparkling Moment
• EXERCISE: Alternative Uses
• EXERCISE: Gift Giving

PART 1: BUSINESS STORIES

Chapter 1: Storytelling to Sell Yourself: A Job Seeker's Guide

• EXERCISE: Writing Your Life Story x 3
• EXERCISE: Why Do You Want This Job? Why Should They Want You?

Chapter 2: Leading by Example: How Stories Build Stronger Teams

• EXERCISE: Inspiring Your Team - The Hype Game

Chapter 3: Feedback that Inspires: Turning Conversations into Solutions

• EXERCISE: Avoid The Sandwich

Chapter 4: Stories that Guide Change: Correcting Behavior Constructively

• EXERCISE: Give CIRCLE Feedback

Chapter 5: Selling Solutions: Using Stories to Influence and Persuade

Chapter 6: Embracing the Fall: Turning Failures into Stories of Strength

• EXERCISE: Failure Bow

Chapter 7: Responding to Change: Stories that Showcase Your Agility

Chapter 8: Bridging Logic and Emotion: How Stories Win Grants

Chapter 9: Promote Yourself: Storytelling as a Tool for Workplace Growth

Chapter 10: Moving On: Using Stories to Close One Chapter and Start Another

PART 2: SCHOOL STORIES

Chapter 11: Turning Life into Words: Writing A Memorable College Essay

• EXERCISE: Explode the Prompt

Chapter 12: Stories that Mobilize: Community Fundraising and Organizing

• WORKSHEET: Teacher Appreciation Ask Letters

PART 3: FAMILY STORIES

Chapter 13: Wedding Words that Last: Toasts, Speeches, and Vows

• WORKSHEET: Wedding Toasts with H.E.AT.
• WORKSHEET: Wedding Vows

Chapter 14: Proud Parent Narratives: Telling Stories with Heart and Humility

Chapter 15: Once Upon a Dream: Bedtime Storytelling That Builds Bonds

Chapter 16: Bridging Generations: The Power of Stories in Caregiving

Chapter 17: A Final Tribute: Storytelling in Eulogies

• WORKSHEET: Eulogy

AFTERWORD: YOUR STORIES, WELL CONCLUDED

STORYTELLING RESOURCES

About the Author

Corey Rosen is a writer, actor, visual effects producer, and storytelling teacher based in San Francisco, California. He hosts The Moth StorySlams and GrandSlams, and has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour, Alice Radio's The Sarah and Vinnie Show, and KFOG's The Finch Files Podcast. Corey is a performer at BATS Improv, one of the world's foremost centers for Improvisational Theater and is the author of Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience.