Regardless of what kind of business you are in, storytelling is an essential aspect of relating with your clients and building community. We all have stories, but how do you tell a good story that is impactful and has a lasting impression on the reader?
The short answer? A good story is real, raw and authentic, takes the reader on a journey (often through ups and downs), and adds a value or takeaway to their experience of life.
How Exactly do you Achieve, a Good Story?
Here are some ways that you can start telling good stories to captivate your readers’ attention:
Tip #1: Start Strong
The first few sentences of a story are similar to the first impression when meeting someone new – you have a few moments (or, in this case, sentences) before the other person will judge whether they feel they can relate to you or not. In a world surrounded by many forms of stimulation (television, YouTube, social media, etc.), it can be challenging to keep your reader engaged.
Try starting your piece with a dramatic line from somewhere later in your story or a question that intrigues the reader to go deeper. Then, make every line count when you write, especially those first few.
Tip #2: Be Authentic
Be yourself. When storytelling through social media, write how you speak and share things you feel passionate about. Of course, you can stay current with trends and relevant topics, but make sure you find your unique way of relating to them and avoid forcing yourself to write about something that doesn’t resonate with you.
Tip #3: Keep it Dynamic
People don’t just want to read about the happy ending; they want to know the challenges you have been through and how you overcame them; take the reader on a journey with you. A good story paints a complete picture, so unless you are writing a multi-part series, make sure you complete your story and resolve any conflicts or dilemmas you may present in your narrative.
Tip #4: Add Value
A good story leaves the reader with a takeaway, a valuable lesson they can apply to their life, or something they feel compelled to re-share with others. Feel free to re-emphasize this at the end of your story to send the reader home with the message you want to share.
Tip #5: Express Your Zone of Genius
Your zone of genius is where your skills and passions intersect, reflecting what makes you and your business unique. It is so crucial that you share this with others through your storytelling.
For example: If you are a baker who also loves to write fiction, you may share your recipes in a narrative format, so your readers get a story and a recipe all in one place.
This makes you unique and will keep your readers coming back for more!
Overall, a good story starts with your passion, expertise, and ability to be vulnerable and share that genuinely and authentically.
Resources
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Email: catherine@catherinenikkel.com
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Catherine Nikkel is a content creator, ghostwriter and the founder of Mindful Media. She specializes in helping CEOs, entrepreneurs and influencers create copy that engages and converts. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo!, Authority Magazine, FemFounder and more.
