The Story Framework
Context enriched by emotion
The Story Framework is about the ability to place facts in context and deliver them with emotional impact. It's an essential aptitude in the Conceptual Age, where facts are widely available and instantly accessible. Story exists where high concept and high touch intersect, sharpening our understanding of one thing by showing it in the context of something else and packing an emotional punch.
- Stories are easier to remember than isolated facts because they provide context and emotional resonance.
- The ability to encapsulate, contextualize, and emotionalize has become vastly more important in the Conceptual Age.
- Story is a fundamental instrument of thought, allowing us to understand and connect with others on a deeper level.
- Identify the ContextUnderstand the situation, audience, and purpose of the story. Consider what facts and emotions you want to convey.Pro tipUse the hero's journey structure to create a compelling narrativeWarningAvoid using story as a means to manipulate or deceive others
- Craft the NarrativeUse the principles of story to create a narrative that is both informative and engaging. Consider the use of metaphors, anecdotes, and vivid language.Pro tipUse storytelling techniques such as showing rather than tellingWarningBe mindful of the audience's emotional response and adjust the narrative accordingly
- Emotionalize the StoryAdd emotional resonance to the story by highlighting the human impact, using sensory details, and creating a sense of connection with the audience.Pro tipUse storytelling to create a sense of empathy and understandingWarningAvoid being overly sentimental or insincere
- Practice and RefineContinuously practice and refine your storytelling skills. Seek feedback from others and be open to adjusting your approach.Pro tipUse different mediums such as writing, speaking, or visual arts to practice storytellingWarningBe aware of the potential for storytelling to be used as a means of persuasion or manipulation
The hero's journey is a storytelling structure that has been used in countless myths and legends. It consists of three main parts: Departure, Initiation, and Return.
Organizational storytelling is a movement that aims to make organizations aware of the stories that exist within their walls and use those stories to pursue organizational goals.
The concept of story has been integral to the human experience, with cognitive scientist Mark Turner writing that 'narrative imagining—story—is the fundamental instrument of thought.' The Story Framework is rooted in the idea that stories are how we remember and make sense of the world.