Storytelling Arc - course handout PDF

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Storytelling Arc

Three Key Parts of Storytelling to Consider A. The “Problem” - or inciting event that the narrative develops out of. Takes place in the exposition. B. The “Journey” - or the 2-3 occurrences/events that take place within the story their telling. Takes place in rising action, climax, and falling action. C. The “Closure” - what’s the big takeaway from your story? Takes place in closure. Storytelling Arc: Organizing a Speaking Narrative 1. Exposition: this is the set-up, background of story, or inciting incident. a. Grab the audience’s attention. b. This is where the “set-up” for the story you’re telling will occur. Think of this as an “introduction” of sorts. i. Any background information the audience needs to know? ii. Who is in the story? c. Include a thesis statement. d. You should aim for 20-30 seconds here. 2. Rising Action: a. Think of this as your first main point or “MP1.” b. First major event of the story. i. The goal here is to convey the building tension. ii. Engage your audience’s emotions – pathos. 3. Climax: The “peak” of the story a. Main point 2 or “MP2.”

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b. At this stage, you should have already set the story up and built up the tension leading to this point. 4. Falling Action: a. The story starts to move “down” the hill toward the conclusion or denouncement. b. Main point 3 or “MP3.” c. Falling action, moving toward the conclusion or denouncement. 5. Denouncement/Conclusion a. This is the pay-off, we’ve gone along the journey, now do a quick review and leave us with a takeaway. i. Revisit the thesis statement. (What was the point of the story?) ii. This should mirror the 20-30 second time-frame utilized in the introduction. iii. Close your story, reiterate the takeaway or lesson from the story - the “mic drop.”

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