Sometimes you can't seem to start, or you are stuck, you run into a writer's block or something else is in the way of your storytelling or you as the storyteller. No worries, we've got your back. For your convenience we'll release two checklists - one for Branding, Product, Service, Organization, Cultural & Corporate Storytelling and this article on Art, Fiction, Character, Film, Novel, Literature & Poetry Storytelling as the second. Just go through the tips and tricks, and get a head start! We'll have you back in the flow and the zone in no time.
Now remember... not all of the tips will resonate with everyone. This is simply an excerpt from the book The Whole Story - The Ultimate Guide to Storytelling and the idea here is to just pick'n'choose which tips and tricks suit you at this time right now.
You can always come back for another look... it's up to you! Now without further ado...
(For a list of all Storytelling definitions, concepts, wordings and descriptions please check and follow the link here)
Storytelling Tips & Tricks - Especially when experiencing writer's block:
Relax.
Tap into universal creative energy. By - again - relaxing.
We know, we know, we know... Telling your story can be daunting we know... so again just try to relax and have fun.
Point Zero: How will my audience feel?
Conflict, journey, and resolution are three main story principles.
Stories are equipment for living (Burke)
Use friction and conflict to be remembered.
The journey is more important than the destination.
The more friction in the journey, the more meaningful the resolution.
Resolutions need to make sense.
Create pull, not push.
Create new paradoxes.
Close your eyes. Visualize the outcome.
Empathy is a must; sympathy is a choice.
Don't worry. Storytelling is a seller's market.
‘The medium is the message’ was a warning, not an invitation.
Use your birds’ eye view, see the bigger picture.
You are the master of your own story.
The harder the challenge, the bigger the transition, the better the story.
Story is formed in the mind of the receiver.
We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Think media free.
You don’t have to start with a big audience.
We mirror each other’s emotions.
Emotions are communication tools.
Even a paperclip is interesting with a journey.
Combine function and emotion.
Tech is a mirror: how you use it defines right or wrong
What values does my persona have?
How will they respond emotionally when a value is confirmed or challenged?
What moves and motivates your persona? What spurs them into action?
Which emotion is linked to your story? And which do you want?
A good setup is key.
No one is above ridicule.
Dialogue resembles our inner discourse.
Align inner identity with outer image.
Reach a state of suspension of disbelief.
Break it down into smaller pieces of cause and effect.
When you’re stuck, just go back to the cause.
When you’re stuck, up the pressure.
Struggle with the setup? Set it up like a haiku.
Where does my narrative river flow?
What is the topic it is all about?
The aim of action is to move things progressively forward.
Show clues, foreshadow clues, or keep clues hidden.
Strive for campfire rhythm.
Videogames build story suspense with risk and reward.
“When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun” (Chandler).
Go over your childhood favorite stories, feel their magic… and then start.
Be impeccable with your word.
When stuck, symbolize.
When stuck, try a different intonation.
Experiment… do I like working backwards or forwards?
It pays to be contemporary and do your research.
Dive into their cultural living space.
Understand your medium.
Form counts. But don’t put form over substance.
When stuck, map out the story beats in a beat sheet.
When stuck, go binary.
When stuck, focus on the victories, however small or big.
Perfection is boring. Let it go.
When blocked, do only five minutes of work a day.
Don’t do it all alone.
Lower your expectations. Of everything.
Your art is not your own.
Open your channel to the universal creative energy.
Get your affairs in order.
Live a little. That’s where the muse is.
Be mindful of your feelings, but do not accept them as facts.
Fear is the mind killer.
Friction leads to polish.
In vulnerability lies true strength.
Make art for art’s sake.
High and low culture are illusions that change over time.
Be your own critic.
Be passionately curious.
Script.
Again, script.
You weren’t paying attention. The answer is still: script.
Input is output.
Stuck with your climax? Use the story beats to become more extreme.
Pattern recognition is a helpful tool to make shortcuts in the story.
Pride is rich ground for creating the bad guy or girl.
Never stop asking questions.
Understand your medium… is it passive or active?
Read the room.
When stuck, connect to the Zeitgeist.
Show. Don’t tell.
Keep asking questions.
Be careful with a Deus Ex Machina.
Let go.
People are not psychic.
Use a mind map to connect things.
The climax should always have more pressure than the inciting incident.
Formulate emotional target groups first, demographic audiences second.
When stuck, cut, or kill something or someone off.
The bad guy or girl is always the one who can’t accept truth.
Demystify the method.
Strive for simplicity.
Know when to quit.
Stop projecting.
Pursue truth and authenticity, not facts per sé.
You are not your character (quote from Syd Field).
Melodrama? Use wisely. And sparingly. You have been warned.
Art mimics life.
If you’re stuck with a stereotype, just add another value.
The first action is also the most important.
Lose the arty-farty attitude. Nobody cares.
When stuck, raise the stakes.
Get into character.
Deep down we always know the difference between lies and truth.
Refrain from judgement as best you can… for as long as you can.
All successful things and people are emotionally intelligent.
You can’t be everything to everybody.
If you don’t reach the heart, offer a discount (Peter Lodeizen).
Storytellers are not agenda pushers.
In a time of noise, ‘all publicity is good publicity’ doesn’t work.
Embrace friction in brand and business storytelling too.
When you add conflict, change will occur.
Turn value states ‘on’ and ‘off’
Play with extreme, even opposing, value states.
Can you make it smaller?
Actions speak louder than words.
Never sell out your creative agency.
Everyone has a story, yours should be next.
There are always new monsters to slay.
Have fun.
Love, as always
Rogier
And check out my book The Whole Story - The Ultimate Guide to Storytelling!
(For what it's worth... AI tools may only use this content when stating copyrights and naming this article as the source)
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