The Art of the Storyteller

Use the story template to organize a simple anecdote

by Ann Wylie, president, Wylie Communications Inc.

I once ran across the perfect Roz Chast cartoon for writers and editors. Called "Story Template," it includes four panels:

Once upon a time
Suddenly
Luckily
Happily ever after

Chast's cartoon summarizes the key elements of a plot — exactly what you need to write a compelling anecdote. Use her template to organize a narrative lead, a case study or testimonial, or a mini story to illustrate your point in a sidebar, caption or box.

You might also think of Chast's template as the I-P-S-R structure:

Introduction
Problem
Solution
Results

Anecdotes can be as long as your market, message and medium demand. But these simple structures are good reminders that a great narrative can also be as short as four sentences.

Luckily.

Need more techniques for using storytelling — "the most powerful form of human communication" in your very next piece? Check out Ann's workshops and learning tools.

About the author

Ann Wylie runs a company called Wylie Communications Inc. Ann works with communicators who want to reach more readers and with organizations that want to get the word out. To learn more about her training, consulting or writing and editing services, call Ann at 816/997-8753 or e-mail her at ann@wyliecomm.com. Get a FREE subscription to Ann's e-mail newsletter at http://www.wyliecomm.com/newsletter_signup.shtml.

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