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Storytelling has the enchanting ability to inspire, transform, and bring people together by bringing light on our experiences and creating connections between minds and hearts of broad audiences.

But what exactly qualifies as “good” storytelling?

The list of possibilities when talking about “good storytelling” is probably limitless. However, there are a few that stand out for me. From ensuring a story has a clear structure is just as important as appealing to a wide variety of audiences and triggering strong emotions regarding its individual elements. To read a story that is visually captivating and imaginable even without the use of real images- to create tension and dynamic that stimulates the reader’s interest. These principles are important to keep in mind when discussing the concept of storytelling.

We all know when we are interacting with an engaging story but do we always know why it is so? An easy way to remember how to create an engaging story is to remember the four I’s.

In her TedTalk, Ashley Fell describes these four elements and how they make storytelling powerful in this digital era.

Interest

Engaging stories are interesting and capture the audience’s attention. They also maintain that attention throughout the story. A creator needs to consider what the audience will be attracted to and how to appeal to it. Taking the time to get to know your audience well will pay off in the long run.

Instruct

Engaging stories have meaning. When your audience reflects on the story what do you want to stand out. It is helpful to decide on the most meaningful moments and to really make them stand out. This can be tricky but is very important to maintain an audience’s attention.

Involve

Engaging stories bring the audience in and connect them to the narrative. They are universal and relatable to those viewing it. One way to do this is to think of a real event in your own life and how it made you feel a particular way and then try to make your audience feel that way.

Inspire

When an engaging story is concluded, you want your audience to feel inspired and to remember the story well. Good stories can even change people’s opinions about certain topics. They can also make a viewer feel like they can accomplish a new goal. What is better than making someone reach for new heights or change their view for the better?

Going back to basics and our first module. We often think of a plot as a natural, linear progression. This leads nicely to a roadmap with clear checkpoints and objectives. A reliable guide is essential to ensure a captivating journey for both the storyteller and the reader. One such guide is the Story Spine, a powerful narrative tool that serves as a roadmap for crafting compelling tales.

Storytelling can be a daunting task, and writers often stress about where to start. This simple infographic helps to ease the pressure involved with plot development. By following the roadmap of the Story Spine, writers can ensure a well-structured and emotionally resonant storytelling experience for their audience.

Of course, this guide is meant as a starting point, as many writing exercises end up like this:

Nonetheless, infographics are meant to be a simplified, digestible tool to relay often deeper and more complex ideas. Infographics should be used in short-form content and be complemented by longer takes that provide more insight into the problem and offer comprehensive solutions. Using an infographic is a great way to break up pedantic or heavy content.

In a visual-first digital environment, infographics, pictures, and visual elements are necessary to captivate an audience. They serve as a springboard to guide your audience to longer-form content or just stand out in the endless array on content available to users.

Imagine you are to give a toast at your best friends wedding. You have to give the speech, there is no way around it. Now, how to go about it?

First of all, consider which story or stories you are going to share. You might want to paint a picture of your friendship over the years, so find a starting point. Then consider what the goal of your story is. To make people see how special your friend is? How lucky you are to have her in your life? Or to embarrass her on her biggest day? The goal will ultimately change the way your story goes. What to focus on. That’s your PLOT.

Now consider the setting of your story. Maybe you don’t want to focus on the parties your bestie got drunk at. Maybe the ones were she shined. Be considerate of your audience, too. The SETTINGS are important. It gives them a feel about your experience as if they are there with you.

You have the power to make them like her – or despise her. So choose how you want to represent your friend, yourself and any other characters within the story. You can be a hero, same as your friend, or ruin the whole speech by going off the rail. CHARACTERS are the main focus of your story.

The POINT OF VIEW in this case, most likely, is yours. How you see your friend, how the events felt to you. You are describing your experience. Let them be a part of that. Let them see how you see your friend. The wonderful person she is. With faults and flaws, but you love her anyways.

Lastly your CONFLICT can be how you both overcome challenges in your relationship or how you both together have overcome an obstacle. Or how the now beginning ‘never ending love story’ will conquer all.

In the end, you can apply those storytelling tools to any story. Giving a speech, writing a book, being a tour guide. You got this!

We got a puppy named him Taz. I am totally a dog person. Not that I don’t like cats, just a preference. When we took him home, he was so shy and sweet. Then changes of behavior came upon us like the turning of the tides, one week in and he rules the house. A little demanding to say the least, he is still sweet just a lot of sass to go with it. My family thought it would be good for me to have a companion since my husband is away a lot. Leaving me with most of the poop duty, clean up and training. Yes, I did forget that puppies are similar to babies, up all hours and crying in his bed for reasons that I have yet to guess. We are just getting to know each other and understand how to communicate. Which is a big part of the learning curve of training a pup.

Freedom no more

We are empty nesters.  I really enjoyed my freedom to come and go as I pleased, so getting a puppy  is a big commitment for me. I have to make him a part of all my plans and consider his appointments too. Also the expenses of this dog, grooming, vet, toys and the occasional sock that goes missing.

Dog Puzzles

He might be spoiled; I think I may have given him too much attention. When we first brought him home, I worked outside of the house, so we had to use a kennel. Now that I work from home, is that still a viable choice, or does that seem weird ? Working in my home office is the only option but he does not like to stay in the office. I even tried bribery, and puzzles. It’s a short-term solution. We are truly good together, just not during working hours.

A Day In The Life

Up again in the wee hours. The zoomies and puppy parkour equals spilled coffee and changing my shirt. With the morning cuddle session completed, it’s time to fire up the computer. The plus side is that I start work early and finish my day early. All is good in tug a war, puppy playtime is on. Do you ever wonder why dogs like playing tug a war or fetch? Taz is all about playing, he could do it all day. He yells at me when he wants something, and I am learning to communicate with him but sometimes we fail. Which explains the poo at the backdoor. Now I am enjoying a peaceful moment as Taz takes a nap. Feeling a twinge of envy as I rub the sleep from my eyes. Our day is almost done, and I’m eager to head to bed early.

Welcome home, Taz

The efforts put into puppy training can be tough and challenging, but the companionship you gain is truly priceless. His contribution to our relationship grows everyday, it is becoming hard to remember my life without him. Taz is truly aware of my feelings, when I am sad or excited he will adjust. It is hard work and can be incredibly frustrating but worth it. Our family has grown with a fuzzy, energetic pup that brings joy to us. Welcome home Taz.