Description Long

Storytelling is based on the human ability to structure information into narratives and to remember it more easily through stories. A well-told story creates emotional connections and makes complex content easier to understand. It should be authentic, compelling and plausible. The most important element is a clear narrative thread that guides the audience through the story while capturing attention and evoking emotion.

Preparation

• Clarify the objective: What is the story meant to achieve? Should it inform, inspire, or entertain? Who is the target audience?

Execution

1. Finding a topic: What makes it special (e.g. a product or service), what is the core message, and which mission or values are associated with it?
2. Plot: Note down everything that is associated with it – feelings, characters, impressions, etc.
3. Reduction: Select and focus on what really matters to get the story across clearly and concisely.
4. Dramaturgy: Use all the elements a good story needs. Be mindful of structure – for instance, don’t reveal everything too early; allow for a sense of build-up.
5. Finale: Is there a happy ending? What mood does the story convey, and how can it actively motivate or inspire us?

Hints from experience

What makes a good story?

• Perspective: From which point of view should the story be told?
• Setting: The place and time of the narrative.
• Protagonists: Heroes, antagonists, and helpers.
• Conflict: What obstacles need to be overcome?
• Core theme: Love, hate, birth, death, etc.
• Narrative thread: Tension elements and the story arc.
• Decorative elements: Additional embellishments or details.
• Rhythm: Varying paces throughout the story.
• Resolution: The ending.
• Call to Action: What can the audience do?

Tools list

• Paper and pencil

References

Author: Thomas Duschlbauer. Der Querdenker: Das Toolkit mit 30 ausgewählten Methoden (German); ISBN: 9783907100639