What Do Good Stories Look Like?
Every great story, whether it's a novel, a movie, or a business journey, follows a familiar pattern that captivates our attention and leaves a lasting impact. One vital component of good storytelling lies in the hero’s journey—a hero faced with a problem that they cannot solve alone. To set the stage for an engaging tale, a trusted guide must enter the scene, providing the hero with a clear plan and calling them to action. But what makes these elements so crucial, you may ask? Let's delve deeper into the art of storytelling.
The Characters of the story:
A Hero with a Problem
No matter the story, the protagonist—the hero—must face a formidable challenge. It is through this problem that the audience becomes emotionally invested in the narrative. The hero is relatable, representing the hopes, fears, and struggles of humanity. By presenting a problem that seems insurmountable, the stakes are immediately heightened, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation within the audience.
Whether a business owner seeking success or an adventurer on a perilous quest, the hero's problem must be significant enough to capture attention and create a desire for resolution. Without a problem to solve, the hero's journey lacks purpose and the story falls flat.The Trusted Guide
No hero can traverse their journey alone. They require guidance, wisdom, and expertise to navigate the treacherous path ahead. Enter the trusted guide—an essential character that offers insights, support, and a clear plan of action. This guide embodies experience, imparting knowledge and tools to help the hero overcome their challenges.
The trusted guide acts as a mentor, empowering the hero to tap into their full potential. This relationship lends credibility to the guide's advice, instilling confidence within the hero. Whether a person who has already solved this problem or a revered sage in a mythical land, the guide's presence is indispensable for the hero's success.
High Stakes: The Compelling Force
A story without stakes is like a ship adrift on calm waters—nice to look at, but lacking tension. High stakes inject urgency and suspense into the narrative, driving the hero to take action. These stakes represent the consequences of failure, the emotional weight propelling the hero forward.
To make a story compelling, the stakes must be significant. They need to evoke fear, desire, and an intense emotional investment within the audience. This could mean financial ruin, loss of reputation, or even the fate of an entire kingdom hanging in the balance. The higher the stakes, the more captivating the story becomes.
Ultimately, it is the alignment of a hero with a problem they cannot solve alone, the presence of a trusted guide, and the presence of high stakes that form the foundation of an enthralling story. These components work in harmony, grabbing hold of our imaginations and keeping us eagerly turning pages or watching the story unfold.
Remember, when crafting your own story, be authentic. Let your voice shine through, ensuring that your audience connects with your journey on a deeper level. Evolve your story over time, adapting it to the changing circumstances—after all, great stories are dynamic and grow alongside their protagonists. So, take a leap of faith, accept the call to action, and embark on your heroic journey towards success. The stakes are high, but the reward will be worth it.
Think back to some of your favorite stories. It could be that one movie you always stop to watch if you find it on TV or a book you can’t wait to read to your children. Each of them will have some form of these main elements that are used to draw us into the story and communicate the main points the storyteller is trying to make.
For you, using the power of storytelling will make it easier to communicate with your target audience and for them to understand what you want them to hear. When people can clearly understand what is being said, they are more likely to choose to engage with you more and give the reaction you are looking for.
