A week ago, I attended a concert by Ehud Banai. A remarkable creator, an outstanding musician and guitarist. But above all, Ehud Banai is a storyteller.
What makes him the ultimate storyteller?
1. Authenticity
“Quickly now, place a bandage on my heart
before you put me to sleep,
and tell me about the child I once was—
how I rejoiced in the first rain.”
(Mahari Na, lyrics: Ehud Banai)
Authenticity, honesty, openness, and the willingness to reveal vulnerability or failure are among the most important principles of storytelling. They build trust and help create a meaningful connection between the audience and the storyteller.
2. Relatable Characters
“The thirty-year-old child has a high fever,
he’s unemployed in work and in love.
Yes, he’s thirty, but still doesn’t know
what he’ll do when he finishes the army.”
(Mahari Na, lyrics: Ehud Banai)
Every good story relies on a character the audience can identify with. A strong storyteller builds a well-rounded character, adds context and detail, and most importantly, evokes empathy.
3. Engaging All the Senses
“Holiday evening and she’s alone, in front of the television,
evening prayers at the nearby synagogue,
passing the time—and the pain—
with a giant cup of instant coffee.
She wants no favors, no social welfare,
grows parsley and seven cats,
the noise of sewing machines and the smell of turpentine—
don’t try to buy or change Florentin.”
(Florentin, lyrics: Ehud Banai)
All the senses are activated in the story of Florentin. We know what she drinks, sees, hears, and smells. We are drawn into the scene—into the cats and the parsley, the roughness and the everyday rituals—and we fall a little bit in love with her.
4. Structure
“From post to post with a song and a guitar,
carrying an amp, singing on a crate,
…
The cook smiles, the officer says:
‘It’ll be a surprise—they’ll be so happy.
Eat, they’re on their way,
we’ve got about twenty soldiers here.’
…
Suddenly, an explosion. They run out.
I remain there in the empty room.
The cook yawns, the officer says:
‘Never mind, it happens. Maybe next time.’
…
Candlelight of remembrance
won’t let go, won’t let go,
flickering—
a long convoy on a dangerous road.
Convoy, where are you heading?”
(Reserve Duty Performance, lyrics: Ehud Banai)
Every story has a structure—whether it’s prose, a business pitch, or a Pixar animation. There are many models for what makes a strong narrative structure. What they all share is this: a good story takes us from a starting point—where time, place, and context are introduced—through a crisis, complication, or turning point, toward a climax, and finally to resolution.