Janece Shaffer’s 9 Tips to “Amp Up” Your Writing!
Learn more about how you can tell your story and become a great writer at her site, StoryReady!
- Story-worthy. To tell a meaningful story, as obvious as it sound, something has to happen. Stories need a beginning, middle and end. They need individuals who are changed by the events of the story. Look for challenges that must be overcome or a powerful “want” or desire that causes a person to take action. Transformation is compelling.
- Land the plane. The more specific a story, the more universal it is. So, focus your story on a specific day, a specific moment. Telling a story broadly or at 10,000 feet is not as vivid. If you have to do a broad overview, still be sure to include specific moments or events.
- Start with the Last. Start the process by writing your final sentence of the story. If the goal is a big transformation, then knowing your final sentence allows you to craft an opening that allows forbig change. If your story ends with triumph, perhaps you start with insecurity, indecision, fear.
- Open strong. The opening of your story is prime real estate – the chance to make a powerful first impression and hook your listener. Can you start with the most compelling image of your story and then go back and provide context? If you’re telling a linear story, is there a statement you can begin with that might surprise or intrigue the listener?
- Make it sticky. Details are what make stories come alive. Yes, you want to be time sensitive but a few compelling details make a story delicious, specific and real. So, help the listener “see” your story (like they are watching a movie).
- See it, see it, feel it. Deliver an emotional experience by telling your listener what you are feeling in response to what’s happening in the story. Are your hands sweating, your heart pounding, your stomach churning? If you feel it, we will too.
- You do you. Make sure the story you tell and how you tell it is authentic to who you are. Forget perfect and be real. The more the story is an honest reflection of who you are, the greater the potential for connection with the audience.
- Keep THEM in mind. Before you utter a word, think about your listener. Is this story appropriate for your audience or for this venue? A story that works over drinks with friends is one you might not want to share on a job interview or a client meeting.
- Close strong. Bring your story to a close with a powerful ending that tells of transformation, new learnings or self-awareness. Help your listener understand why you shared this story and why this story has meaning for you. Research shows that how you end your story is often what your audience will remember best.