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The Simplest Storytelling Framework Ever

The Simplest Storytelling Framework Ever

How to instantly tell more and better stories

Howie Chan
August 04, 2024

Welcome to Legend Letters - A rebellion against the ordinary, where you redefine success and live your version of legendary.

Howie Chan - Creator of Legend Letters

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HEARTSET

Once upon a time…

These four words are the most powerful words in the history of humankind.

It sets an expectation that something amazing is about to happen. It’s when people perk up, lean in, and give their full attention.

And in today’s world, attention is everything.

Furthermore, stories have a direct impact on our neurochemical state:

“Scientists are discovering that chemicals like cortisol, dopamine and oxytocin are released in the brain when we’re told a story.

Why does that matter? If we are trying to make a point stick, cortisol assists with our formulating memories.

Dopamine, which helps regulate our emotional responses, keeps us engaged.

When it comes to creating deeper connections with others, oxytocin is associated with empathy, an important element in building, deepening or maintaining good relationships.”

Lani Peterson, Harvard Business Publishing (The Science Behind the Art of Storytelling by Lani Peterson - LINK)

If it’s so powerful, why don’t more people tell better stories?

Especially when there are countless articles about storytelling frameworks:

The 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey storytelling framework - LINK
5 successful storytelling frameworks - LINK
5 brand story frameworks for better storytelling - LINK

The problem is complexity.

It’s too complex.

There are too many stages. Too many steps.

In this issue of Legend Letters, I will share a simple 2 step framework so you can start telling more stories and get better overtime.

But the most important thing you need to remember in telling stories?

MINDSET

Relive the story, don’t report it.

Can you tell the difference between:

“So she told me to go to hell and I said fine. Then I stormed out.”

AND

“I could see her face turning red”

“Go to hell!”

“Fine!”

And then I stormed out.

When you relive the story, the audience feel it with you, but not when you report it, it falls flat.

SKILLSET

The 2-step framework I learned from the amazing Vinh Giang, keynote speaker, communications trainer, magician.

Step 1: The Incident

Relive the story:

Who was there
Where did it happen
When did it happen
What actually happened

Use your five senses to help people be there:

Sight
Sounds
Smells
Touch
Taste

Bring it to life with voices. Yes! Do the voices of the characters, it’ll sound so much better.

Your story should be no more than a few minutes and when it’s in front of a smaller audience it should even be shorter (the more concise it is, the better it’s going to be.)

But don’t worry about that at the beginning.

Step: 2: The Point

Tell people what is the point of your story.

“The reason why I’m telling you this story is ____”
“You know what I took away? ____”
“From that day on, I ____”

So here are two versions of a story I just wrote down (not polished at all!)

Hear the typical report of a story:

Hear the same story relived:

What do you think?

Which one is better? Could you tell a story today?

I would love to hear your experience.

So forget about the three act structure, the hero’s journey, the STAR model… just start writing down stories and telling them.

When you’re living your legendary life, you will have interesting stories to tell. If not, go do something uncomfortable, go on an adventure, go make your mark.

“Great stories happen to those who can tell them.”

Ira Glass

Go tell stories, live your legend 🤘🏽,