Things to Keep in Mind Before You Tell a Story.

There are some fundamental questions which you should consider before telling a story. Storytelling always includes the “5 W” questions – Who, What, When, Where, Why, and the bonus How. Answers to these questions may change in the process of storytelling.

Below is the infographic of key point to keep in mind before telling a story.

1. What is story’s driving question?

A question gives you a mission; a puzzle to solve. The process of answering that question focuses your reporting and allows your story to become a journey for the listener or reader.

2. Who is your audience and how will you engage them?

This is the chance to think creatively about story and storytelling. Always try to put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What interests you? what would you enjoy reading or listening to? 

3. What are the elements of the story?

Imagining the elements of your story ahead of time is a time-honored approach. It helps you conceive your story and plan your reporting. The basic elements of the story are Setting, Characters, Plot, Conflict, Resolution, Point of View and Theme

4. Relatability

A story’s relatability allows people to empathise with the plot, themes and characters in an intimate way so that its core message is one that becomes meaningful to us. It is, what some describe, the quality that enables us to become part of the story and makes the good ones resonate so deeply.

5. What will the audience remember?

If your reader could only take away one thing from your story, decide what you want it to be and focus on developing that material.

Conculsion: If you remember to ask these questions at the beginning of writing or telling your story it will help guide your story.

Reference: “Beyond the 5 W’s: What should you ask before starting a story?” by “Alison Macadam”