Chances are all the films you love, all the books you devour, have pulled you in because you can relate not only to the character and their journey, but to the underlying messages that apply universally to all human beings.  There are recurring symbols and motifs weaved into the fabric of stories from ‘The Three Little Pigs’ to ‘Harry Potter’, that signal, repeat and reinforce the themes that writers from Shakespeare to Quentin Tarantino use to draw us in and deliver a moral takeaway. Speakers and copy writers can also use universal themes and the tools of symbols and motifs in stories and more widely in their content to hook the audience, keep them engaged and get them to remember the core message and action points.  In this ‘best of’ show re-run, I’m going to share what I know about universal themes and story plots, and some examples of how you can use them practically in your public speaking and marketing content.  Enjoy! What this episode covers: What universal themes and basic story plots are Why they are important in stories, speaking, and marketing copy The different types of universal themes  How symbols and motifs reinforce universal themes and what they are The options for story plots  How you might use them in your speaking and in business.  Resources: How to Find Stories to Share in Your Talks, Teaching and Marketing Content - Episode 033 Simon Sinek Forbes Article Simon Sinek – Ted Talk JK Rowling Harvard Commencement I feel Pretty Trailer   https://www.facebook.com/groups/thespeakingclub/ https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  https://www.facebook.com/SarahArcherSpeak/ https://www.storyledmarketing.com  https://www.saraharcher.co.uk https://www.standoutpitch.com   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:   leave a comment below.   Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out:   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.    Subscribe on iTunes.   *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)