Great storytellers use descriptive writing to immerse us in their story. They invite us into a shared experience. They use words that tickle our imagination, words that we can relate to, and words that are memorable.

Sensory words can help you be a great storyteller. Next time you tell a story, whether in a meeting, networking, training, or in a presentation, use words that access sound, sight, taste, smell, and touch sensory words.

For this tip, let us focus on Sound. Your audience’s sound sense is triggered mainly by descriptions of the words related to volume and quality of the sounds. Here are some examples:

Things Breaking:  clang, clank, clatter, crack, crash, shatter, smash

Movement:  drip, clop-clop, pitter-patter, scamper, splash, trickle

Angry & Unhappy:  groan, growl, moan, screech, sigh, wail, whimper, whine

Deep & Heavy:  thud, thump, thunder, rumble

Loud:  bang, blurt, boom, grind, shout

Soft:  buzz, crunch, plop, pop, sizzle, whisper

Sound Metaphors:  That sounds like a good idea; It was music to my ears; Barbara’s words rang true; William roared in delight; and my son Charlie’s singing was more like a screeching bird.

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