Storytelling Bites 1 - Narrative Structure

Life is chaotic and narrative structure makes sense of it. 

Whether we need to understand what happened, how and why, or take stock of the present situation, or to plan ahead, to anticipate and be ready, narrative structure – the construction and strategic relationship of characters, actions, time and setting - allows us to make sense and to remember.

It turns out that although different parts of our brain are used to process memory, the hippocampus is where we make sense of our memories. And the hippocampus can make greater sense of memories and remember them better if we can form a coherent narrative with them.

This has applications in how we can explore, develop and understand change, strategies, projects and problems at work. We can organise our presentations, reports and pitches into stories; initially so we have a better chance of remembering what to say and then perhaps more importantly so our colleagues, the board or clients have an easier, more interesting and engaging time understanding and holding on to what we tell them. 

There are infinite resources and ideas about what narratives exist and which are best to use. We offer a very simple narrative structure to help people work out events and ideas within a story or to build their communication so as to connect with each other:

Hook: What is important or of interest.

Beginning: Set the scene.  

Middle: What happens and how.

End: What outcomes do you get.

Handover: What happens next.

Within this simplicity you can shape your content and information into 3 story patterns that work well within different work contexts and situations:

The Problem Story.

The Optimistic Vision Story.

The See What We Can Do Together Story.

Take advantage of how our brains organise and remember by using narrative structure to find a shared understanding of strategy, change or solutions across departments or partners that makes sense to everyone. When you create your presentations, use narrative to structure your thoughts and plans and give your audience a story they are a part of, will remember and act on.