Stories are foundational in our understanding of how the world works, and what humanity is like.The art of telling a good story lies in distinguishing it from just an 'event' by adding tension.This is done by adding a mission, a bad guy, and a good guy.

Telling Good Stories

An event is simply something that has happened. It's the headline to the article. "Little Red Riding Hood took cookies to her grandma" is an event, but it's not yet a story.A story is more. It's the substance of the article. It makes the listener engage. It transforms their understanding. There is conflict and tension that needs to be resolved.

Story vs. Event

Every story needs a why. A driving force. A goal for the protagonist to accomplish. A reason for the plot to progress.This needs to be established early to engage the audience."Little Red Riding Hood went to take cookies to her Grandma" is the establishing motive.

The Mission

Every story needs a bad guy. Not necessarily a villain, just something that will establish tension. It's a barrier to the mission. Something that will put the mission at risk.It's the first "but" moment in your story."Little Red Riding Hood went to give cookies to her Grandma, but there was a Wolf who wanted to eat Red Riding Hood" adds the tension to the story. It established the conflict.

The Bad Guy

Every story needs a good guy. For the catharsis, each story needs a resolution. A way for the mission to be accomplished and the bad guy to be overcome.It's the second "but" moment in the story. "Little Red Riding Hood went to take cookies to her Grandma, but there was a Wolf that wanted to eat her. But then a Huntsman came and killed the Wolf, saving Riding Hood and Grandma" is finally a story. The mission is accomplished and the bad guy is overcome. Every story needs these three aspects and make up the basics of storytelling.

The Good Guy

Dr. Sam Chan, public speaker and story teller sits down and shares with us the art of story telling. He breaks it down and helps us to grow in our storied lives. 

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Reading & Writing

communication

Communication

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Society, Arts & Culture

Two Asian Australian Sams talking about brewing about life’s questions, seeing the world through different eyes and connecting important ideas with everyday life.

S2 E7 - Storytelling: Tips on how to successfully tell a good story

Adam Clark