What are story beats?

The moments that move a story forward. A simple rule from the South Park writers: join beats with "but" or "therefore", never "and then". Each "but" adds a problem and each "therefore" adds a decision, which keeps people wanting to know what happens next.

What are story stakes in business storytelling?

An obstacle you had to overcome, combined with something you stood to lose if it failed. Most founder stories leave this out, which is why they feel flat. Add what was on the line and the context that raised the pressure, such as only six months of rent left.

Why should a story open with a question?

Because a question gives the audience something to solve. Rather than opening with when and where, open with one big What or Why question that sets them off on a detective trail and keeps them reading for the answer.

What is a story surprise, and how do I use one in my founding story?

Misdirection that makes sense in hindsight. Let people assume the story is about the obvious thing, such as the product, then reveal it was about a bigger truth, and back it up with a specific, earned payoff like an award, a turnover figure or a customer result.

How do I know if my story is working?

Read it out loud to someone and stop right after the "but". If they ask "so what happened?", it's working. If they don't, raise the stakes.

The 4 Storytelling Tricks That Keep People Watching

The 4 Storytelling Tricks That Keep People Watching

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