How to Tell a Great Story: A 5-Step Formula

Summary

In this video, Hillary from Lighthouse Communications teaches a five-step storytelling formula to help new facilitators craft compelling narratives. The steps include diving straight into the action, showing rather than telling with vivid sensory details, building tension through internal or external conflict, sharing a transformative shift, and connecting the dots to show the story's relevance. Through real-life examples, the video emphasizes how to engage audiences and clearly communicate messages, providing a valuable framework for creating impactful stories in professional settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dive into the action immediately in your story. Avoid lengthy introductions or background details.
• 😀 Use a vivid time marker to grab attention and anchor your story in a specific moment.
• 😀 Make your storytelling sensory by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch to immerse your audience.
• 😀 The more specific your details, the more engaging and memorable your story becomes.
• 😀 Building tension is crucial. It could be internal (emotional struggle) or external (conflict between characters).
• 😀 Without tension, a story can feel flat and uninteresting to the audience.
• 😀 The internal monologue of your character can be an effective way to show tension and engage your audience.
• 😀 A story’s turning point or shift is essential. Share what changed and how the experience transformed you.
• 😀 Always connect the dots for your audience by explaining why you’re sharing the story and how it’s relevant to them.
• 😀 Use the phrase ‘I share this story because…’ to make the connection clear and ensure the audience understands the relevance.
• 😀 Storytelling takes practice, and the more you refine your skills, the better you’ll become at crafting compelling narratives.

Q & A

What is the first step in the storytelling formula?

The first step is to 'Dive Into the Action.' Instead of starting with unnecessary context or background, you jump right into the core of the story, using a time marker like 'March 2020' to anchor the narrative.

Why is using a time marker important in storytelling?

A time marker helps to anchor the story in a specific moment, making it more relatable and vivid for the audience. It also helps to set the scene quickly and effectively.

What is the principle behind 'Show, Not Tell' in storytelling?

The principle is to provide descriptive details that allow the audience to experience the story through their senses. Instead of just explaining what happened, the storyteller paints a vivid picture that immerses the audience.

How can tension be effectively built in a story?

Tension can be built either through external conflict between characters or ideas, or through internal conflict, such as emotional struggles or uncertainty. This keeps the audience engaged and invested in what happens next.

Why is tension important in a story?

Tension is critical because it keeps the audience interested and curious about the outcome. Without it, the story might feel flat or lack purpose, and the audience might lose interest.

What is the significance of sharing the 'shift' in a story?

The shift represents a turning point or transformation in the story. It shows how the character has changed due to the experience, which is essential for creating a meaningful and impactful narrative.

Can you give an example of a shift in the script?

In the script, Anne experiences a shift when her friend Lauren helps her realize that she was focusing too much on what people thought of her instead of on how her content could help others. This shift changes Anne's approach and helps her regain confidence.

What is the final step in the storytelling formula?

The final step is to 'Connect the Dots.' This involves explaining to the audience why the story is relevant to them and linking the story’s message to their own experiences or situation.

How can the storyteller connect the story to the audience?

The storyteller can connect the story by using the phrase 'I share this story because...' and then explicitly stating the relevance of the story to the audience's context, ensuring the connection is clear and easy to understand.

What does Anne hope the facilitators will focus on as they transition back to in-person training?

Anne hopes that facilitators will focus on the content and helping the students, rather than worrying about how they are being perceived. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused on delivering value to the audience.