Sometimes an efficient transmission of information is the best option. But if you want to inspire, tell a story.

Alexis NikiJanuary 16, 2020Comment

Joy, Every Day

At the beginning of 2017, I noticed that conversations with friends, usually a source of nourishment, had taken on darker, more hopeless tones.

Alexis NikiJune 23, 2019Comment

The Rollercoaster of Hope and Fear

We have ambitions, dreams, and desires. We bump up against obstacles, frustrations, and failures. We are creatures of hope and fear.

Alexis NikiApril 13, 2019Comment

"The Circle Is An Idiot"

As a follow up to last week's post about our innate story reflex, I thought I'd share this fun video of seven comedians taking the Heider Simmel test.

Alexis NikiJanuary 11, 2016Comment

Do You Have The Story Reflex?

You’re alone, driving along a major US artery. It’s late. You’re tired and hungry. You spot the motel sign displayed above. Do you stop?

Alexis NikiJanuary 5, 2016Comment

Every Word, A Story

I'm fascinated by concepts that exist in one language but not another. “Goya” is a lovely word from Urdu, the national language of Pakistan.

Alexis NikiJuly 15, 2015culture, story, language, suspension of disbeliefComment

Identity Story

I'm a Greek-American who’s grown up in Germany and who’s lived in Europe a lot longer than in the US. The Greek crisis has raised deep questions about my identity.

Alexis NikiJuly 8, 2015Identity, culture, Greece, work processComment

3 Ways We Deny Our Creativity

In my story coaching practice, I hear people denying their innate creativity all the time. Many of them are creative professionals.

Alexis NikiDecember 7, 2014Comment

Our Little Human Lives

I’m fascinated by the question of why we tell stories. The answer varies depending on who you ask.

Why Tell Stories?Alexis NikiOctober 28, 2014Comment

Doudou

A child’s toy without its owner is a painful sight. Has this little pup been lost or forgotten?

Story SketchAlexis NikiOctober 24, 2014Comment

Closing Image

A movie's closing image offers a final opportunity for storytelling.

Story SketchAlexis NikiSeptember 15, 2014creativity, movie, final image, character journeyComment

2 Ways To Quickly Situate Your Audience

Whether you’ve got five minutes to pitch your startup or your screenplay, you need to grab and situate your audience fast. Here are two techniques to help you do that.

Story TipsAlexis NikiSeptember 8, 2014Audience, Story SkillsComment