Structuring Your Stories: STORYTELLING BASICS – How To Get Started In Telling Impactful Stories – Short Reads
Writing a story without a structure is like building a house without a foundation. No matter how impressive the design, it’s bound to crumble without a strong base to hold it up. From the framework of the plot to the structure of the characters, good storytellers should create a sturdy foundation for their stories.
Not sure whether to own or be more intentional with your podcast? Take this quick survey to find out.
Today’s Short Read is from The Storytelling Series for Small Businesses and Content Creators. We are in chapter four of the book which is designed to help you understand such fundamentals of story structure as:
- What is a story structure?
- How do you structure a story?
- And what makes a good three-act structure?
Of course, you need this understanding to better leverage structure in your stories. Now, the reading:
“The structure of a story is the foundation for everything that follows. The first sentence, paragraph, chapter, and so on are all built up to form the final narrative. There are some characteristics a good story structure must have. Here are 6 of them for your consideration:
- Clear and concise plot: A good story should have a clear and concise plot that is easy to follow and understand. This means that there should be a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a strong conflict or problem to be resolved.
- Interesting and well-developed characters: A Good story should have well-developed characters that are interesting and believable. These characters should have their own motivations, desires, and flaws, and should change and grow throughout the story.
- Engaging dialogue: A good story should have dialogue that is interesting, and realistic, and helps to advance the plot and develop the characters.
- A consistent and believable setting: The setting of a story should be consistent and believable and should help to enhance the atmosphere and mood of the story.
- A satisfying resolution: For a story to be considered good, it needs to have a satisfying resolution that resolves the main conflict or problem in a believable and meaningful way.
- Thematic depth: All good stories should have deeper themes or messages that give them meaning and resonance beyond just the surface-level plot.
Structure plays a crucial role in storytelling as it provides a framework for the narrative. It determines the pacing, reveals the plot, and helps to build tension and suspense. A well-structured story keeps the audience engaged and helps to guide their emotional journey.
The structure can also reveal character development, foreshadow events, and create surprises for the audience. In short, the structure acts as a backbone to the story, giving it shape and direction, and is an essential component of all storytelling.”
End of reading from the book, Storytelling Basics: How To Get Started In Telling Impactful Stories. Now, is there an example of Story Structure to learn from? Of course, so let’s see to it.
A good example of the Classic Story Structure
One example of a popular movie that follows the Classic Story Structure is “The Lion King.”
The exposition introduces the audience to the protagonist, Simba, and his father, the king of the Pride Lands. The rising action shows Simba’s growth and development, as well as his relationship with his best friend, Nala. The climax is the tragic death of Simba’s father, which leads to Simba’s exile and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
The falling action sees Simba discovering his true identity and finding the strength to confront his past and return to the Pride Lands to challenge his evil uncle, Scar. The resolution occurs when Simba finally defeats Scar and takes his rightful place as king, restoring order to the Pride Lands.
The resolution ties up loose ends, as Simba ascends to the throne with Nala by his side, and the themes of family, responsibility, and the circle of life are therefore reinforced.
Overall, “The Lion King” is a prime example of how the Classic Story Structure can be used to create a powerful and impactful story that resonates with audiences of all ages. You too can use this knowledge perfectly in your small business marketing strategies. We will talk about that shortly.
The Classic Story Structure is more than a standard format
Let me remind you that The Classic Story Structure is not just a standard format, but a proven formula for creating compelling and memorable stories. This structure has been used for centuries in literature and film to engage audiences and evoke emotions.
The seven main parts of the Classic Story Structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, conclusion, and themes, work together to create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers and viewers.
By starting with exposition, the writer sets the stage for the story, introducing the characters, setting, and tone. As the story progresses, the rising action builds tension and drama, leading to the pivotal moment of the climax. From there, the falling action allows the story to wind down, leading to the resolution and finally the dénouement, which ties up loose ends and leaves the audience with a sense of closure.
In addition to these structural elements, the Classic Story Structure allows writers to explore deeper themes and messages within their stories. These themes can range from love and loss to morality and social justice, providing audiences with a rich and thought-provoking experience.
Whether you are a writer, filmmaker, or simply a lover of stories, the Classic Story Structure is a valuable tool for crafting compelling and memorable narratives. So, the next time you sit down to write a story, consider using this tried-and-true formula to captivate your audience and leave them wanting more.
How to use the classic story structure in your small business
The Classic Story Structure can be a valuable tool for small businesses to create engaging and effective marketing strategies. By incorporating the key elements of this structure into your marketing campaigns, you can tell a compelling story that resonates with your target audience and helps to build brand awareness and loyalty.
Here are a few ways you can use the Classic Story Structure in your small business marketing strategies:
- Exposition: Start by introducing your business and its mission. Why are you in business? Explain what sets you apart from your competitors and why customers should choose your products or services.
- Rising action: Use this section to build momentum and create excitement around your brand. Highlight the benefits of your products or services and showcase success stories from satisfied customers.
- Climax: This is the pivotal moment where your brand really shines. It could be the launch of a new product or service, a major milestone for your business, or a partnership with a high-profile organization.
- Falling action: Use this section to reinforce your message and show how your products or services can help solve your customers’ problems. Provide social proof, such as customer reviews or testimonials, to build trust and credibility.
- Resolution: This is where you tie everything together and offer a clear call to action. Encourage customers to make a purchase, sign up for your newsletter, or engage with your brand on social media.
By using the Classic Story Structure in your small business marketing strategies, you can create a powerful narrative that resonates with your target audience and helps to establish your brand as a trustworthy and reliable option in your industry.
The five-part book series is also available on Amazon so you can order your copies from there. Have a good reading and remember to share your thoughts and inspiration about the series.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Series for Small Businesses.
