When it comes to effective writing, it really comes down to how well a writer can explain a narrative, which is typically done through storytelling. Storytelling is an extremely important aspect of your writing, whether thatās in marketing, advertising, blogging, or any type of content writing really.
Knowing how to grab peopleās attention and keep them interested is vital, which is why itās important to understand how to strengthen your narrative and engage your audience through your writing.
First things first, you want to choose one clear purpose for your writing.
By defining your message ā whether thatās to promote a product, describe past events, or make your reader laugh ā your story should build towards one central message.
Itās important to add a little flair too, which can come in the form of comedy, drama, or suspense and helps to keep your reader captivated throughout. However, your story should never stray too far from the main message. The most compelling stories have moments of hardship and struggle, too ā I mean, how boring would it be to read a story about someone who went through success after success without any pitfalls?
We all go through difficult times, and that is what makes both life and your stories interesting.
Lean into this when youāre creating a narrative.
Secondly, you want all of your writing to have a clear structure.
When your writing is all over the place, jumping from different time periods or different main characters, it can be difficult to follow. All stories should have a defined beginning, middle, and end. A quick Google search can help with this because there are so many helpful resources online, but at its most basic level your story should start with a compelling incident, lead to a climax in your story, and end with some type of resolution.
Having said that, if you are writing content for social media, starting with the climax is key ā we have such a short time to grab a readers’ attention so starting with a bang is optimal.
If youāre wondering how to tell an interesting narrative, a great way to captivate your reader is to not shy away from getting personal.
People resonate when they feel they are reading something āreal,ā not just a fake made up story. Regardless of whether your story is based on real life or not, it can be helpful to draw from your own personal experiences to help enrich your writing.
Another great way to harness your own powerful storytelling is to look at examples everywhere of writers that have captivated your attention, and lean into what makes their writing great. When you understand what you like about powerful storytelling examples, it will be easier to incorporate that into your own writing.
Alternatively, you can also ask for help from fellow writers or friends who have experience with storytelling and get them to edit your work or give you some pointers. Or, book a Mindful Media chat here and let’s make it happen.
Lastly, and arguably one of the most important aspects of storytelling is the escalation.
The heart of your story should have some type of tension, which helps drive your story forward. When youāre writing your story, focus on ways to increase the tension and add emotion to keep your reader engaged. Remember: your plot should always thicken, never thin!
By utilizing all of these strategies, you will really be able to convey a strong narrative to your reader and keep them engaged.Ā
Resources
Join The Storytellers CafĆ© ā My free training community to help you create an impact through your story
Enrol in The 5-Day Content Experience ā Learn how to repurpose your content like a proā¦in 5 minutes a day!
Email: catherine@catherinenikkel.com
Facebook:Ā https://www.facebook.com/profitablestories/
Need help telling your story in your own voice? Letās make it happen.Ā Schedule a consultation with me here
