As humans, at one time or the other in our lives, we have to relate a story. This may be about an happening or incident, a person or ourselves personally, or an institution or organisation. This may be professionally or for fun. It may be as a leader, entrepreneur, business owner, administrator, public speaker, preacher, parent, or just among our friends and colleagues. Telling a story is actually a thing we cannot do without. And when we want to do it, we have to do it excellently, so as to pass the desired message across.
As a passionate story-teller who wants to have a great effect on the audience or readers, there are some hacks which if utilised, you can keep readers fixated on the page and make the story have the effect desired and also leave a lasting memory on their minds.
Below are five ingredients which if infused into your story, you are on the path to a wide and loyal readeship:
The following are partly based on Robert Dickman and Richard Maxwell's advice in their book, 'The Elements of Persuasion'.
Passion: This should be the easy one, as a writer that loves what he or she does and has a goal to narrate for excellence. The more passionate the storyteller is, the more authentic they seem and the more compelling their story becomes. You have to be enthusiastic about what you are narrating, this makes the audience more convinced and builds their own passion too. It simply makes the story compelling and motivating.
The words of Deepak Chopra can serve as a lode-star on this:
"Yes, in all my research, the greatest leaders looked inward and were able to tell a good story with authenticity and passion.
2. A protagonist: There needs to be a hero or protagonist in your story; somebody who can be respected and related to. Someone who is inspiring and possesses desirable qualities which is worthy of emulation. This person, community or group engages as your audience as they want to see what happens to them and learn more about them. It keeps them suspended and longing for more. Note, human beings are naturally curious, we want to know what happens next.
3. An antagonist: If there is nothing at stake, there is no story. What or who is the hero up against? There doesn’t need to be some super villain; think poverty in the community or lack of education, corruption or terrorism, youthful exuberance or an unreasonable boss, an unrewarding job or bad political terrain and so on.
There has to be an 'enemy' against the aspirations or circumstance of the protagonist.
4. Awareness: What’s the “Aha!” moment in your story? A moment where people learn or realize something they otherwise wouldn’t have. Did the hero learn something? What was the meaning and rationale behind the story?
There must be a climax. An high point of understanding or sigh. This is a very integral part of a story which drives homes most of the points.
5. Transformation: What has changed throughout the length of the story? Think about the impact, what is different and what has changed as a result of the story you are telling. Again, you don’t need to thwart some mythical villain and restore order to the universe; a personal success or any little change can be very moving. A simple narration of how the challenge was overcome, for example, how you eventually founded your first company after quitting a job or how you made your first million. This also gives hope to the readers. It makes them feel inspired. And most importantly, they yearn for more from you, since they feel it is worth their time and more value has been added to their lives. They may also tell someone about your story or retell it. Reader loyalty is achieved. Wider readership is on the way.
Make sure these five ingredients are never lacking in your narration of a story and you are in for a fulfilling experience as a story-teller.
This article was written by Abayomi Ahmed for
Scribe Royale™, a writing and media outfit in Ibadan.
It remains a property of the above-named organisation.
©2016
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