Enabling scientific storytelling — the ABT structure
#2 of the Series to Ignite Your Enthusiasm
The first time I encountered the ABT narrative structure was in Randy Olson’s book “Houston, We Have A Narrative” (University of Chicago Press, 2015), where its simplicity captivated me. I immediately adopted it in my own writing, teaching, and scientific presentations for proposals, papers, and abstracts. The overwhelmingly positive feedback I received emphasized its ease of use, requiring only a brief introduction to empower everyone to utilize it effectively.
Researchers and students found it applicable across various texts, enhancing the organization and comprehension of abstracts, introductions, funding proposals, and even scientific presentations.
The formula itself is straightforward: construct a text with a beginning, middle, and end.
1. In the beginning, provide the necessary facts for the audience to comprehend the problem.
2. In the middle, present the problem or contradiction.
3. In the end, elaborate on the solution, action, or consequence.
These three sections employ the connector words AND, BUT, and THEREFORE, giving rise to the ABT structure.
In the following exercise, I will only summarize the gist of the ABT structure to provide you with an initial foundation that you can extend as you wish.
This initial foundation is particularly well-suited, for instance, as an opening paragraph in your funding proposal; however, it will naturally require expansion thereafter. For an abstract, the content generated in this exercise is essentially suitable and can effortlessly encompass around 300 words.
This short video on the added value of the ABT structure for funding proposals by the University Medical Center in Groningen, NL, gives a nice summary.
Before you get started
To ensure clarity in this exercise, consider the main message you wish to convey to your audience and the action you want them to take. This message could involve understanding, implementing, or acting upon your research.
For instance, if addressing a non-academic audience about a public health intervention, your aim might be for policy makers to incorporate your research into guidelines or for behavioral changes based on your findings. Alternatively, you may desire other researchers to utilize your outputs in their own investigations.
Having a clear message in mind before applying the ABT structure allows for a streamlined approach in crafting the beginning, middle, and end of your narrative.
Example for a message and aim:
My research findings demonstrate a direct correlation between continuous alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing cancer later in life. In writing a funding proposal I aim to persuade reviewers to invest in further research endeavors focused on developing interventions to address alcohol consumption.
Applying the ABT structure
Based on the message you want to convene, write 4 sentences.
2 sentences connected with an AND: 2 facts your audience needs to know to set the scene. You have to limit the facts to two, because we tend to overload our audiences with facts that are not always strictly necessary for a specific message.
1 sentence starting with a BUT: in this sentence you have to clearly state the problem that is connected to the previously mentioned 2 facts.
1 sentence starting with a THEREFORE: In principle, only the first sentence in this section needs to clearly point towards the solution that your research will or aims to provide. After this one sentence, you can explain in more detail about your research.
Example:
Drinking on a continuous basis increases the likelihood of developing cancer later on in life, as supported by extensive research. AND it has been established that alcohol consumption is a prevalent habit among a significant portion of the population. BUT despite the known risks, there is a lack of effective interventions to address and reduce alcohol consumption rates. THEREFORE, it is imperative to invest in further research to develop evidence-based interventions that can effectively curb alcohol consumption and mitigate the associated cancer risks.
Adopting the structure in your routine
To practice and incorporate the ABT structure in your writing, keep an eye out for it. Abstracts, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity for practice. Select the next abstract you read or the most recent one you have written, and check if it adheres to the structure outlined above: a clear statement of facts, a problem description, and a solution. If not, attempt to rewrite it and assess if it improves the clarity.
In my courses, prior to explaining the ABT structure, I ask participants to read two abstracts — one with the ABT structure and one without it. In 95% of cases, participants prefer the ABT structure over other formats, such as the AAA structure (repetitive listing of facts), commonly found in scientific publications and presentations.
They find the ABT structure to be clearer, more logical, and easier to follow. The general revelation is often akin to an “AHA” moment, as they comprehend why they sometimes need to read abstracts multiple times before understanding them. We’ve all been there.
