3 Ways To Use Observation To Write Engaging Storytelling Content
I was at a story slam when someone got up on stage and started talking about getting dumped over a stack of pancakes.
I'd be lying if I said the story was off to an interesting start.
But the way she described the syrup trailing off the side of his fork—like it couldn't wait to escape either—was the detail that made the whole room hang on every word.
That defining line that saved her story was the result of pure observation.
Noticing what others miss brings life to your stories—because it roots your unfamiliar experience in something the reader already understands.
You're not just telling us how it felt—you're anchoring the emotion in something we've seen before, so we can feel it with you.
That's what makes people invested in your story.
Below are three very short practices to hone this essential storytelling skill.
3 Exercises To Use Observation To Write Engaging Storytelling Content
You don't need to turn into Sherlock Holmes. But you do need to start noticing what most people overlook. Here are useful ways to practice:
1. Two-Sentence Scene Capture
At the end of the day, write one sentence that captures something you saw that day—as specifically and concretely as possible.
“The barista had two bandaids on the same knuckle and still smiled like she wasn’t bleeding.”
Why it works: You train yourself to look for the unexpected in the everyday.
Then, note your feelings or insight in one line.
“It reminds me how I ignore my needs and push through to make others comfortable.”
Meaning making is your superpower as a storyteller.
When you can use observations to illustrate a bigger emotional truth, you’ve got the makings of a compelling story.
2. Describe Without Naming
Pick an object—or a person you see on the train, in line, wherever—and write a few lines describing it without naming it.
Not “a leather bag,” but:
“The cracked handle where someone kept grabbing it in a rush. The tiny scuff that looked like a burn mark. The color that had once been black but now read more like asphalt after a long summer.”
Why it works:
This exercise retrains your brain to see, not summarize. Most people stop at the label—but labels don’t tell stories. Descriptions do. When you describe something in detail, you add texture and specificity—and that’s what makes scenes vivid and characters feel real. If your stories feel flat, chances are you’re naming instead of noticing.
3. Soundtrack Your Surroundings
Sit somewhere for 3 minutes. Close your eyes. Write down every sound you hear. Then pick one and give it a backstory.
That high-pitched squeak? Maybe it's the ghost of a bored janitor’s sneaker haunting the hallway.
Why it works: Sensory detail is one of the fastest ways to immerse your reader—but most people only write what they can see. This exercise helps you slow down and tune into the full environment. It teaches you to layer a scene with sound, rhythm, and vibe. I learned this in a memoir writing class recently, and I was blown away by how much more dimensional the stories became—just from noticing what the room sounded like.
Moral Of The Story
The glint on a glass during a fight. The way a child tugs their sleeve when they lie. These moments anchor your story in a familiar reality.
Use these practices to tell personal stories that resonate with others.
Here are some resources to help:
Use my free template to start collecting your story-worthy moments. Get Your Two Sentence Storytelling Bank.
If you're not sure what moments are worth capturing start here.
If you're done cobbling together tips and tricks, and just want to create storytelling content already, you're ready for my Short-Form Storytelling Course. Students like Maddie say, “I had my first story online within an hour and I could immediately see the results.”
That's all for this week.
Thanks for reading. Until next time…
Your Stories Are More Interesting Than You Think.
Cyndi Zaweski
Founder of StoryCraft
