Proper storytelling is both a science and an art. A magnificent, multi-layered, intractable problem is the core of every great story.
When we describe a problem in vivid language, our audience’s brains get activated. They HAVE to know how the problem will get solved. The more intense the problem, the greater our desire to see our hero solve it.
EXAMPLE: Luke, Han Solo, Leia, and Chewie are on the Death Star. Already scary enough! They are nearly caught! Even more scary! They jump down a chute and wind up in a liquid sea of trash. Gross! Scary! But there’s more – the dianoga, a giant snake/worm/monster thing that drags Luke underwater. So much scarier! When the dianoga mysteriously leaves, they’re relieved, until the walls of Garbage Compactor 3263827 (per Gemini) start closing in on them. Now we have a PROBLEM.
Problems that require ingenuity and courage to solve amp up our cortisol. And, when they are resolved, the relief we feel is palpable.
Problems are the key to any and every powerful story.
Take the risk out of being in the spotlight! I can prepare you, your teams and your leaders to tell your company’s story with confidence, shape the industry and maybe even change the world.
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