Map out your story on Ann’s roller coaster grid
The best stories show, then tell, then show, then tell, again and again and again. And the best pieces mix up their concrete details with stories, statistics, scenarios and more.
How does your story shape up against that standard? To find out, use this grid to map out your story.
On it, note which kinds of concrete material you use in and where. This will help you analyze your copy for common problems. For instance:
- You’ve got 14 statistics and no anecdotes? You might want to go out and find a story. You want to hit several types of concrete detail, not just flat-line with a single type.
- Your introduction and conclusion are packed with concrete details, but there’s nothing interesting in between? Spread the evidence around.
- There’s not a single concrete detail to be found? Go back to the reporting stage and dig some up.
Now find the geographic center of your piece. “Is there a gold coin in sight?” The Poynter’s Clark asks. If not, add one.
How can you make tedious topics interesting?
Fun facts and juicy details might seem like the Cheez Doodles and Cronuts of communication: tempting, for sure, but a little childish and not particularly good for you.
Not so. Concrete details are more like salad dressing and aioli — the secret sauces it takes to get the nutritious stuff down.
Now you can learn to use concrete details to change people's minds — and behavior — at Master the Art of Storytelling, our business-storytelling workshop starting May 17.
There, you’ll learn six quick ways to add color to your message and how to help readers understand big ideas through specific details.
Save up to $100 with our group discounts.
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