What Makes a Story Great?
Great stories have the unique power to change the way we see the world and ourselves.
But to tell a story you must show up, speak up, and make your voice loud and clear. Don’t search for appreciation or global acceptance. And above and beyond everything, stay true to your own voice of consciousness.
Great achievements happen only if we are willing to abandon our safe zone. This is an everlasting truth that applies even in digital marketing, content creation, and blogging.
Tell a story first for the joy of sharing an experience with other people. This is how true connection starts!
Be brave enough to open your heart and share the deepest corners of your existence. If you want to stand out, you must bear the test of authenticity.
Unselfish Storytelling
What is that? To tell a story for the pleasure of creativity in order to bring joy and information to the listener. To make them feel better and safer. To remind them that good things are happening in life. Just to spread the beauty of an uplifting story.
You may gain nothing from that but your listeners will be inspired.
Which people do you remember from your childhood? Those who always want something from you or those you enjoyed playing with them?
Personally, I still remember one of my older cousins and her amazing bedtime stories with friendly ghosts and monsters who wanted to learn music. Her stories made me look at the unknown with the best intentions. When I meet people that sound like her or dress like her, I tend to trust them much easier.
Now, let me ask you one more time… What do we gain from unselfish storytelling?
We gain the attention and trust of our listeners. And that is the most valuable currency in the world.
Storytelling Basics
Stop treating content creation as a science experiment. It is an art skill.
Content creation demands a line of the story, a solid structure of beginning, then a clear plot, and an uplifting closure with an easy-to-comprehend moral of the story. In other words, it needs all the essential principles of what Homer used to create his masterpieces: Iliad & Odyssey. 3000 years later we still can learn amazing techniques from Ancient Greece creators.
I know what you are going to say now… that is easier said than done. Is it, really? Here is my golden list that has helped me to create better stories:
- Choose a stand. Think about the topic and pick the side you wish to enlighten more.
- Find a tone that makes you feel comfortable.
- Pick a captivating title.
- Think of your audience. Age, interests, culture, music preferences, language, financial status, education, personal and family background.
- Understand the reader’s perspective. Are they pros or cons to your topic?
- Do deep research and find solid evidence to back up your story.
- Read and take notes.
- Present both sides of your story.
- Make room for the story to evolve beyond your control.
- Invite people to add more sides to your story.
- Dare to be different.
- Embrace disagreements and new ideas!
Now, are you ready to create your next story?
Start writing. Now. You will find a way to express your own voice.
What are you waiting for?
