What Bloggers Can Learn From Storytellers – Part One

As one of the oldest forms of expression and recreation, storytelling dates far beyond our vision of time. Though we don’t know exactly when people started telling stories, we do know that the stories were often told orally with the aid of gestures, rock art, and reenactments.

We also know that certain themes and patterns have appeared throughout vastly different stories — those stories being in completely different genres and written by writers with no connection at all. In fact, these patterns most likely came to fruition over a long period of time.

I’d like to explore how a blogger can make use of just a few of these themes and patterns in order to compel their readers to continue reading — just as a storyteller might do to keep their audience interested in finding out what happens next.

1. Beginning, Middle, and End

Whether you’re telling a joke, writing a screenplay, or a three act play, a story will almost always come down to the beginning, middle, and end — and because we’re so exposed to storytelling of all types, we expect to experience a beginning, middle, and end with every story.

With this in mind, consider how you readers might react to a post that clearly reflects this recognizable structure.

Try approaching your blog post as if it has a beginning, middle, and end — setup, the problems and solutions, and the resolution.

Doing this will provide your readers not only with your voice they expect from all your content, but a structure in which they will understand completely, regardless if they know they know it.

Because this style is so prevalent in our culture, with television, movies, and even music, this basic knowledge of story can be found in our DNA — making it easy for storytellers and bloggers alike, who just want to share something of value.

Anyone out there trying this?

If not, how are you inspired by other storytelling mediums, such as film, music, and television?

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