The Key Elements of Storytelling

You don’t need to be a creative for the skill of storytelling to matter. One might argue that our species survived because of our ability to share stories. This past week I was fortunate enough to work with some of the most powerful and effective authorities on the topic of storytelling and speechwriting.

While frameworks never do the work for you, I do find them incredibly helpful.  According to Ty Spells, every great story of transformation includes:

• A Sense of Normalcy (Sets the Scene)
• An Explosion (or Disruption)
• A New Normal (Where They are Now – Transformed)

Now, this won’t make you an instant hit at your next dinner party or get you elected to office by itself, but it is a foundation and a strong start. Ty offered additional elements for any great story if you want to take it a step further. According to the renowned speech coach, a great story needs the following:

• A Character
• The Ability to Elicit Empathy/Emotion
• Specific Details (that You Can Visualize)
• A Moment

Whether you’re a storyteller by trade or you are simply a human being in connection to others, I hope you put these foundational elements to use. Happy storytelling!