To Write Successful Business & Academic Communications, Learn the Architecture of a Story

Human beings seem to be born with a gene for telling stories. Stories from our families, our communities, and the media form our worldview and shape our lives. In fact, scientists have discovered that our ability to create stories is intricately connected to our ability to learn. This is because our brains seek to create meaning through relationship, which is what stories do so well.

Our storytelling faculty comes into play not only when we speak, but also when we read, which means that our brains are unconsciously seeking a well-told story in every kind of writing-whether it be a business proposal, an academic essay or the Great American Novel. When a story connects with us, it can have a powerful effect on our thoughts and decisions. When it doesn't connect with us, however, it may leave us confused, bored, or even angry.

The question is: Why do some stories succeed while others do not?

Successful writers understand the architecture of a story

The answer lies in the architecture of a story, which at the most basic level requires a beginning, a middle, and an ending. The beginning needs a way to draw readers into the story and make them want to keep reading. The middle needs to tell the basic parts of the story in some kind of logical order so that readers can follow and understand it. And the ending needs to tie up loose ends, being sure to answer any questions that have been raised.

Successful stories are always targeted at a particular audience and use language and terminology the audience understands. They also use concrete details and strong, active verbs to add color, emotion and energy.

If any of these elements are missing from our written communications, we will confuse our readers at best and completely fail in our purpose at worst.

Let's take a book for example

When I am browsing in a bookstore and pick up a book, I usually look at the first paragraph. If something about the writing "hooks" me, I read further. If it doesn't, I put the book back on the shelf.

If I accidentally pick up a book in Italian--a language I do not know--I put it back immediately because I am not its intended audience. In other words, it literally doesn't "speak" to me!

Once I begin to read the book, I expect the author to lead me skillfully through his story, giving me as much detail as I need to understand and visualize his ideas. Sometimes, however, the author's plot jumps around so much that I have a hard time following it.

Sometimes the author's characters are so vaguely drawn that I can't keep them straight. The result is that I end up not caring about them at all, and I soon forget the whole thing.

Sometimes I get to the end of a book and find that the author has left me hanging, without tying up loose ends and satisfactorily answering my who, what, when, where, why and how questions.

As I experience each of these frustrations, there is a good chance that I will misunderstand what the author is trying to say, lose interest in his message altogether, or start becoming irritated with the author himself.

This is obviously not the kind of reaction any writer wants to engender. If you are writing business or academic communications, and are not a professional novelist, what can you do to ensure that your "story" succeeds?

One possible solution is to write your communication using the Story Spine technique.

Use the Story Spine to build your narrative

This technique, which is described by Kat Koppett in her book Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning, is especially good at helping writers build their narrative without getting lost. It consists of the following steps:

  • Once upon a time...
  • Every day...
  • But one day...
  • Because of that... (Repeat as needed)
  • Until finally...
  • And ever since then...
"Once upon a time" is your opening. It draws your readers into your communication in some way and introduces your setting and characters. By answering such questions as "Who?" "What?" "Where?" and "When?" it provides the context and sets the stage for your communication.

In the "Everyday" step, you present some background information and further develop your message.

The "But one day" step represents your catalyst. This is where you ask and answer such questions as: "Why is this message/idea important? What is different about it?"

The "Because of that" step represents the heart, or main section, of your story. It presents the consequences that result from your catalyst.

The "Until finally" step is the climax of your communication, where you present your most important points or results. It is what your whole communication has been building up to.

The "And ever since then" step is your conclusion. It is the place you tie up loose ends and leave your reader with a feeling of satisfaction, of completion and understanding.

Concrete details make a story compelling

Ensuring that your story follows a basic structure isn't quite enough, however. You must also provide vivid, concrete details. According to Koppett:

Shakespeare's structure is strong. His "because of that's" flow from one to the other, building in intensity beautifully. But mostly, it is the language Shakespeare uses, the descriptions he employs, the way he develops his characters that makes his work a masterpiece. What makes a story compelling is not just what happens, but how it is related, the specific moments, the images and sensory impressions that are created.

So, again, we come back to our brain's need for meaning and connection. To ensure your writing succeeds, keep in mind that you are, in effect, telling a story. Ask yourself, "Has my story met my audience's needs and expectations?" If you can answer "yes" to this question, your results will show it.

Clarice Kyd Dankers is a freelance editor and learning coach in Portland, Oregon, who works internationally with business and academic clients. To learn more about her services, or to sign up for her free monthly newsletter, go to: polishyourwriting.com

Oswego taxi to Midway ..
In The News:

Hackers and scammers keep looking for ways to break into your Facebook account. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson has some tips to make sure your account is secure.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to create group texts to reach multiple people at once — and also how to leave them if you get annoyed at the volume of interruptions.
Tax fraud is on the rise, and hackers are now using identity hijacking and artificial intelligence for tax returns in someone else's name to get a refund.
Toyota's Punyo soft robot mimics human behavior, using its chest, hips and arms — in addition to its hands — like a human to handle objects,
Hackers used third-party information to break into Roku accounts, according to the streaming company. Roku says it has secured affected accounts.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the simple steps for setting a Wi-Fi hot spot on an Android. If you have internet on your phone, it's easy.
Dubai recently hosted the first jet suit race with a backdrop of skyscrapers, and one observer says it was straight out of a comic book.
Kim Komando introduces ways to keep you and your devices safe while traveling. The clever hacks mentioned can protect you from hackers and jackers.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew published a video Wednesday urging users to "protect your constitutional rights" against a bipartisan bill that would force China to divest from the app.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson says you can never be too careful with tech passwords. He explains how to keep your information safe.
The Lighthouse in New Zealand rotates 360 degrees, constantly giving those inside different views around the clock. Built in the 1990s, it's up for sale.
High school students in Colorado are learning how to design their own AI model projects, including cameras for self-driving cars and apps that can teach other languages.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Vehicles collect sensitive personal information, which is used to set auto insurance rates. That's partly why auto insurance premiums are rising.
Honda's Uni-One is a hands-free electric mobility device that can reach speeds of 3.7 mph and support a user weighing up to 242 pounds.
Kim Komando puts three AI chatbots head-to-head to decide which is the best assistant for modern problems. Compare Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
To safeguard personal information on iPhones, users can employ built-in security measures and iCloud Keychain for enhanced privacy. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson introduces you to the City Transformer’s CT-2 electric car, which can seamlessly transition from 8 feet wide on the road to a compact 3 feet for parking.
Hackers are always looking for new ways to trick targets into downloading malware. Now, they're after cryptocurrency folks via Calendly. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson has the details.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how the Microlino Lite, a compact and eco-friendly vehicle, tackles city traffic congestion with its chic design and small dimensions.
A new funeral scam targets surviving family members of those who recently died. Scammers reach out to the survivors and pose as funeral home officials.
Merlin Labs' autonomous pilot could soon hit the commercial airways and may help alleviate a looming pilot shortage, according to CEO Matt George.
There's a simple way to check your subscriptions on an Android and cancel them. Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how it is done.
Hackers use pirated software to target macOS, Android and Windows devices in search of stealing cryptocurrency, according to Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.

Write a Letter, Make a Difference

Today I took the dog for a walk and realized... Read More

Five Minute Miracles

FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More

Becoming a Writer

The urge to write fiction seems God given for some,... Read More

Top Ten Writing Mistakes Made By New Childrens Writers

Okay. So I'm not David Letterman. But I doubt if... Read More

New York Code Orange Jaisini New Art Series

The creativity of Jaisini is not designed to be preaching... Read More

Does Your Plot Suit Your Characters And Vice-Versa?

Creative Writing Tips ?When an idea comes to us for... Read More

Writing the KAIZEN Way

Over the past eight years or so, I have tutored... Read More

How to Have an Effective Writing Group

The works you've written are numerous, ranging from short stories... Read More

Dont Forget That Manual!

No user manual? Surely you jest!It may seem comical, but... Read More

Idea Mining for Writers 101

Want to write an article or book, but are stuck... Read More

Do You Plot With Your Character In Mind?

Creative Writing Tips ?You are plotting the story. You write... Read More

Discover the Writer Hiding Inside You

Has the thought run across you mind that you might... Read More

Should You Do a Writing Course?

First, let's tackle the question that is uppermost in many... Read More

Prolific Writers

Prolific authors write; they don't just dream about it. A... Read More

The Writing Life

In the 7th grade I wanted to be an architect... Read More

How to Build A Success Freelance Career (Part 2)

Part 1 of this article discussed the experience you need... Read More

The Psychology Of Effortless Writing

I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of... Read More

Secrets Of Successful Authors

When the writing bug hits you, get out your pencil,... Read More

Make Your Mark Upon Humanity

The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and... Read More

Be Concise

Concision. (Sounds like I made up another word.) It's the... Read More

Getting Past The Shoulds To Write

During the past few months I have received many questions... Read More

Writing for Local Veterinary Hospitals

Freelance writer STANLEY BURKHARDT has a passion for animals. He... Read More

Publication Road

The journey to having my first novel for children published... Read More

The Untold Secrets of Writing Best Selling Childrens Books

Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get... Read More

Writing For Free: When & When Not to Do It!

Right off the bat, I want to say that there... Read More

shuttle from Midway Morris ..